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Improving agrochemical performance: possible mechanisms for adjuvancy

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Chemistry and Technology of Agrochemical Formulations

Abstract

It is well known that the activity of agrochemical formulations, especially those containing herbicides, can be improved substantially by the addition of certain biologically inactive ingredients, known collectively as adjuvants. Such products may be built into a formulation at the time of manufacture or used separately for tank mixing with a formulation prior to spray application. Perhaps understandably, the discovery and commercial development of adjuvants in the past has relied heavily on empirical or heuristic screening for enhancement effects on efficacy, with little consideration being given to underpinning modes or sites of action for adjuvancy. However, modern thinking on formulation design is becoming increasingly focused on more rational approaches to adjuvant selection, based on physico-chemical principles and a fundamental understanding of the key processes involved in optimizing the performance of agrochemicals. Past experience has already shown that adjuvant choice varies according to the properties of the pesticide, its mode of action (residual, contact or systemic) and the type of formulation used (solution, emulsion or suspension), as well as the nature of the intended target (weed, insect or fungus).

As much as 85‐90% of pesticides applied to crops never reach their target. Instead, they disperse into the air, soil, water, animals and people. Repetto and Baliga (1996)

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  1. P. J. Holloway
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  1. FORM-AK Formulation Consultancy Services, Tonbridge, Kent, UK

    D. A. Knowles

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Holloway, P.J. (1998). Improving agrochemical performance: possible mechanisms for adjuvancy. In: Knowles, D.A. (eds) Chemistry and Technology of Agrochemical Formulations. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4956-3_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4956-3_8

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