How do adjuvants primarily function in pesticide applications?

Adjuvants play a crucial role in pesticide applications primarily by enhancing the effectiveness and safety of the pesticide products being used. They are substances added to pesticide formulations to improve the performance of the active ingredients. Adjuvants can modify various properties such as the spreading, sticking, or penetration of the pesticide, which helps ensure that the application is more efficient and the product works as intended.

For example, a surfactant can lower the surface tension of a pesticide spray, allowing it to spread more evenly over a leaf surface. This increased coverage can lead to better absorption by the target organism, improving the overall effectiveness of the pesticide. Additionally, adjuvants can help mitigate potential risks, making applications safer for the applicator, non-target organisms, and the environment.

The other options imply different functions that adjuvants do not fulfill. They do not provide pesticidal activity themselves, act as the main active ingredient, or increase toxicity to pests. Instead, their main function is to support the active ingredients in achieving better pest control while ensuring safer application practices.