Hostname: page-component-7b7567c8c-7pwfn Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-12T20:39:32.480Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Adjuvants—Terminology, Classification, and Chemistry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

James L. Hazen
James L. Hazen*
Affiliation:
Agricultural Specialties, Witco–a Crompton business, Dublin, OH. E-mail: hazenji@cromptoncorp.com
Get accessRights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

An adjuvant is a material added to a tank mix to aid or modify the action of an agrichemical, or the physical properties of the mixture. For the most recent decade, responsible researchers, suppliers, and trade organizations have made significant progress to identify, understand, and standardize adjuvants. Adjuvant components, their purpose in application, terminology, and now, even tests that establish minimum performance expectations are under development. Certification of voluntary adjuvant composition and performance standards will soon be available. The adjuvant industry has grown into respectability. This paper will attempt to serve as a useful reference for current terminology and definitions accepted by weed science, and also provide a brief discussion of the chemistry favored in current adjuvant compositions.

Keywords

Surfactantcrop oilactivatorwetting agentASTM, American Society for Testing and MaterialsCMC, critical micelle concentrationCPDA, Chemical Producers and Distributors AssociationDST, dynamic surface tensionEST, equilibrium surface tensionHLB, hydrophile–lipophile balanceWSSA, Weed Science Society of America

Information

Type
Symposium
Information
Weed Technology , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , December 2000, pp. 773 - 784
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Literature Cited

Adamczewski, K. and Praczyk, T. 1995. Rape seed oil as a herbicide adjuvant in Poland. In Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. Gaskin, R. E., ed. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 374–378.Google Scholar
Ahrens, W. H., ed. 1994. Herbicide Handbook, 7th ed. Champaign, IL: Weed Science Society of America. pp. 310–318.Google Scholar
American Society for Testing and Materials E 1519. 1999. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 11.05. Designation E 1519-95, Standard Terminology Relating to Agricultural Tank Mix Adjuvants. pp. 905–906.Google Scholar
Bayer, D. E. and Lumb, J. M. 1973. Penetration and translocation of herbicides. In Van Valkenburg, W., ed. Pesticide Formulations. New York: Marcel Dekker. pp. 387–439.Google Scholar
Brumbaugh, E. H., Roggenbuck, F. C., and Penner, D. 1995. Surface tension and spreading as indicators of spray adjuvant efficacy. In Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. Gaskin, R. E., ed. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 260–265.Google Scholar
Chambers, G. V. 1996. The role of Orchex® 796 in pesticide applications. In Collins, H. M., ed. Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems, 15th Vol., STP 1268. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM. pp. 67–87.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chow, P.N.P. and Grant, C. A. 1992. Research and development of agroadjuvants: A bibliographic survey. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 3–15.Google Scholar
Combellack, H. 1995. Adjuvants—Are they worthwhile? In Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. Gaskin, R. E., ed. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 336–344.Google Scholar
Dexter, R., Fox, R., Cooper, J., and Huddleston, E. 1998. Effects of adjuvants on the delivery and efficacy of pesticides. In McMullan, P., ed. Proc. Fifth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals: Challenges and Opportunities, Volume I. Memphis: ISAA ’98 and CPDA. pp. 395–400.Google Scholar
Field, R. J., Buick, R. D., and Dastgheib, F. 1995. Analysis of the relationship between surfactant addition and the translocation of herbicide active ingredient. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 201–206.Google Scholar
Foy, C. L., Chow, P.N.P., and Grant, C. A. 1992. Formulations and applications of adjuvants for agrichemicals: A selected bibliography of world literature in English (revised and updated). In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 691–715.Google Scholar
Foy, C. L. 1998. The challenge and opportunities of adjuvants and biological performance. In McMullan, P., ed. Proc. Fifth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals: Challenges and Opportunities, Vol. I Memphis: ISAA ’98 and CPDA. pp. 155–169.Google Scholar
Friloux, K. M. and Berger, P. D. 1996. The relation of tallowamine ethoxylates to dynamic surface tension and field performance. In Collins, H. M., ed. Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems, 15th Vol., STP 1268. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM. pp. 145–157.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gaskin, R. E. 1995. Effect of organosilicone surfactants on the foliar uptake of herbicides: Stomatal infiltration versus cuticular penetration. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 243–248.Google Scholar
Gillette, C. P. 1888. Arsenic experiments. Iowa Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. 2: 30–35.Google Scholar
Gillette, C. P. 1889. Important injurious insects. Iowa Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. 5: 161–196.Google Scholar
Gillette, C. P. 1890. Experiments with arsenites. Iowa Agric. Exp. Stn. Bull. 10: 401–420.Google Scholar
Green, J. M. 1995. Specifying adjuvants for pesticides. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 320–327.Google Scholar
Green, J. M. and Hazen, J. L. 1998. Understanding and using adjuvant properties to enhance pesticide activity. In McMullan, P., ed. Proc. Fifth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals: Challenges and Opportunities, Vol. I. Memphis: ISAA ’98 and CPDA. pp. 25–36.Google Scholar
Griffin, W. C. 1954. J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 5: 249–258.Google Scholar
Hartley, G. S. and Graham-Bryce, I. J. 1980a. Coverage and spreading. In Physical Properties of Pesticide Behaviour. London: Academic Press. pp. 402–469.Google Scholar
Hartley, G. S. and Graham-Bryce, I. J. 1980b. Penetration into higher plants. In Physical Properties of Pesticide Behaviour. London: Academic Press. pp. 544–657.Google Scholar
Hodgson, R. H., ed. 1982. Adjuvants for Herbicides. Champaign, IL: Weed Science Society of America. 144 p.Google Scholar
Holloway, P. J. 1995. Adjuvants for foliage-applied agrochemicals: The need for more science not serendipity. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 167–176.Google Scholar
Killick, R. W., Wrigley, P. R., Jones, P. W., Schulteis, D. T., Stover, R., Roggenbuck, F. C., and Penner, D. 1995. Ethylated esterified seed oils—a second generation of herbicide adjuvants. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 78–83.Google Scholar
Lo, C.-C. and Hopkinson, M. 1995. Influence of adjuvants on droplet spreading. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 144–149.Google Scholar
Manthey, F. A., Nalewaja, J. D., Group, E. F. Jr., and Krenek, M. R. 1989. Epicuticular wax solubility in petroleum solvents relative to herbicide phytotoxicity. In Hazen, J. L., ed. Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems: International Aspects, STP 1036. Philadelphia: ASTM. pp. 56–73.Google Scholar
Manthey, F. A. and Nalewaja, J. D. 1992. Relative wax solubility and phytotoxicity of oil to green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.]. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 463–471.Google Scholar
Matsumoto, S., Suzuki, S., Tomita, H., and Shigematsu, T. 1992. Effect of humectants on the pesticide uptake through plant leaf surfaces. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 261–271.Google Scholar
McCarthy, J. F. 1992. Regulatory issues and adjuvants. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 245–246.Google Scholar
McWhorter, C. G. 1982. The use of adjuvants. In Hodgson, R. H., ed. Adjuvants for Herbicides. Champaign, IL: The Weed Science Society of America. pp. 10–25.Google Scholar
Nalewaja, J. D. 1995. Behaviour, applicability and efficacy of non-surfactant adjuvants. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 186–192.Google Scholar
Pallas, N. R. 1997. A review of wetting in agricultural applications. In Goss, G. R., ed. Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems, 17th Vol., STP 1328. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM. pp. 165–186.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Policello, G. A., Stevens, P.J.G., Gaskin, R. E., Rohitha, B. H., and McLaren, G. F. 1995. Alkylsilicones for agricultural oils and oil-based formulations. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 303–307.Google Scholar
Reeves, B. G. 1992. The rationale of adjuvant use with agrichemicals. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 487–488.Google Scholar
Roberts, J. R. 1992. A review of the methodology employed in the laboratory evaluation of spray adjuvants. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 503–512.Google Scholar
Rogiers, L. M. 1995. New trends in the formulation of adjuvants. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 1–10.Google Scholar
Rosen, M. J. 1989a. Micelle formation by surfactants. In Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 108–168.Google Scholar
Rosen, M. J. 1989b. Wetting and its modification by surfactants. In Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 255–274.Google Scholar
Schick, M. J. 1966. Nonionic Surfactants. New York: Marcel Dekker. pp. 923–970.Google Scholar
Stevens, P.J.G., Gaskin, R. E., Hong, S. O., and Zabkiewicz, J. A. 1991. Contributions of stomatal infiltration and penetration to enhancements of foliar uptake by surfactants. Pestic. Sci. 33: 371–382.Google Scholar
Stevens, P.J.G., Gaskins, R. E., Hong, S. O., and Zabkiewicz, J. A. 1992. Pathways and mechanisms of foliar uptake as influenced by surfactants. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 385–398.Google Scholar
Stickle, W. E. 1992. The importance of adjuvants to the agricultural chemical industry. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 247–249.Google Scholar
Stickle, W. E. 1995. Adjuvant regulations in California, the United States, Canada, and the European Community. In Gaskin, R. E., ed. Proc. Fourth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals. NZ FRI Bull. No. 193, New Zealand Forest Research Institute, Rotorua. pp. 311–319.Google Scholar
Stickle, W. E. 1998. The registration and regulatory challenges of adjuvants in the United States. In McMullan, P., ed. Proc. Fifth Int. Symp. on Adjuvants for Agrochemicals: Challenges and Opportunities, Vol. I. Memphis: ISAA ’98 and CPDA. pp. 139–146.Google Scholar
Stock, D., Holloway, P. J., Whitehouse, P., and Grayson, B. T. 1992. Activation of the foliar uptake of two water soluble compounds by alcohol polyoxyethylene surfactants. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 159–167.Google Scholar
Tinsworth, E. F. 1992. Regulation of pesticides and inert ingredients in pesticide products. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 237–238.Google Scholar
US Patent 4,834,908, 30 May 1989. Assigned to BASF Corporation. Antagonism Defeating Crop Oil Concentrates.Google Scholar
Underwood, A. K. 1992. Concerns within the pesticide industry relating to spray adjuvants. In Foy, C. L., ed. Adjuvants for Agrichemicals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. pp. 489–501.Google Scholar
WSSA Herbicide Handbook, 7th ed. 1994. Champaign, IL: Weed Science Society of America. p. 313.Google Scholar