What does adding a surfactant to a pesticide do?

Adding a surfactant to a pesticide enhances the performance of the pesticide by improving its spreading and wetting properties. Surfactants, which are surface-active agents, help to reduce the surface tension of the spray solution, allowing the pesticide to spread more evenly over the target surface. This improved spreading facilitates better coverage on plant leaves or soil, ensuring that the pesticide effectively adheres to and penetrates the surfaces where it is needed.

This enhancement is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of the pesticide, as it ensures that a more uniform application occurs, leading to better uptake by the target organisms (such as pests or weeds) while minimizing losses due to runoff or evaporation. By facilitating coverage, surfactants help improve the overall efficacy of the pesticide application process.