SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 April 2025
STP165220240004

Adjuvant and Pesticide Formulation Interactions: Impacts on Spray Quality in Ground and Aerial Applications

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This research examines the impact of different adjuvants and pesticide formulations on the physical properties of agricultural spray mixtures and the consequent droplet size in both ground- and aerial-based spray applications. It focuses on four leading adjuvant types in the industry: nonionic surfactant, oil-based emulsion, emulsion-forming surfactant, and high-molecular-weight polymer. These are paired with simulated formulations of three commonly used types of pesticide formulations: water-soluble liquid, suspension concentrate, and oil dispersant (inclusive of suspo-emulsion). This work also examines the physical-chemical impact of these tank-side adjuvants on simulated pesticide spray combinations, factoring in solution physical properties, nozzle characteristics, and the environment into which spray is released. Each pairing of the simulated formulation and adjuvant was assessed for spray droplet size under typical ground and aerial application rates. The objective was to generate test materials that can easily substitute for active products in testing environments where collection and disposal of active substances might be challenging. This study also aimed to establish a dataset that can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between different types of formulations and adjuvants and delineate the boundaries of the spray droplet size variations between these systems.

Author Information

Fritz, Brad
USDA Agricultural Research Service, Aerial Application Technology, College Station, TX, US
Fursdon-Welsh, Angus
Croda Inc., New Castle, DE, US
Dempsey, Logan
Croda Inc., New Castle, DE, US
Vitorazzi de Castro, Nathan
Croda Inc., New Castle, DE, US
Wall, Jason
Croda Inc., New Castle, DE, US
Sun, J., Susan
Croda Inc., New Castle, DE, US
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Details
Pages: 1–18
DOI: 10.1520/STP165220240004
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-7752-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-7751-2