Which adjuvant is designed to decrease the toxicity of pesticides?

Safeners are specifically developed to reduce the toxicity of pesticides to non-target organisms, particularly plants. They function by providing a protective effect, which allows certain plants to tolerate exposure to herbicides that would otherwise be harmful. This makes them invaluable in various agricultural practices where the goal is to control weeds while minimizing damage to desirable crops.

In contrast, wetters are intended to enhance the spreading and coverage of pesticides on target surfaces, while extenders prolong the efficacy or persistence of the pesticide in the environment. Spreaders, on the other hand, primarily improve the distribution of the herbicide over the intended area. None of these options are designed to mitigate the toxicity of the pesticide itself, which is the primary role of safeners.