What type of adjuvant is specifically used to improve pesticide spread on surfaces?

Surfactants are specifically designed to improve the spread and coverage of pesticides on various surfaces. These adjuvants reduce the surface tension of the liquid, allowing it to spread more easily and cover a larger area. By doing so, surfactants enhance the effectiveness of the herbicide by ensuring that it adheres better to the target surfaces, whether that's leaves, stems, or soil.

The ability of surfactants to improve coverage is crucial because adequate coverage helps ensure that the active ingredients in the pesticide can target the intended pests or weeds more effectively. When surfactants are included in a pesticide formulation, they allow the product to penetrate more effectively into plant foliage, increasing the likelihood of successful pest control.

Buffers, on the other hand, are used to maintain the pH of the pesticide solution, which can influence the stability and efficacy of the herbicide but does not directly aid in spreading. Stickers help improve the retention of pesticides on surfaces, preventing wash-off from rain or irrigation, but they do not necessarily enhance the initial spread. Antifoaming agents are used to reduce foam during mixing or application, which can help manage equipment operation but do not contribute to surface spreading.