The magical role of wetting agents in pesticides

The magical role of wetting agents in pesticides

In the world of pesticides, wetting agents play a pivotal role. It is not only an important additive in pesticide formulations, but also a powerful assistant for pesticides to work. So, how do wetting agents work in pesticides?

1. The basic concept of wetting agents

Wetting agents are a type of substance that can reduce the liquid-solid interfacial tension, increase the contact of liquid with the solid surface, or increase the wetting and expansion of the solid surface. Because wetting agents have the function of promoting the wetting and spreading of liquids on the solid surface, they are also called wetting agents. In pesticide formulations, wetting agents are mostly artificially synthesized surfactants, which can significantly reduce the surface tension of pesticide solutions and make it easier for pesticides to spread on the surface of crops or pests.

2. The working principle of wetting agents

The leaves of crops or the body surface of pests often have a layer of hydrophobic structure, just like the surface of lotus leaves has a layer of wax, and it is difficult for water or pesticide solutions to spread on them. Wetting agent is like a super peacemaker. It can break this "hydrophobic film" and make the pesticide solution spread more easily on the surface of crops or pests.

Specifically, the working principle of the wetting agent is to reduce the surface tension of the pesticide solution, so that the pesticide can be more easily wetted and spread on the target surface. When the pesticide solution encounters the surface of the crop or pest, the wetting agent molecules will quickly diffuse to the mobile interface between the liquid and the wetted surface, reducing the surface tension of the liquid, so that the pesticide solution can be evenly spread on the target surface.

3. Application of wetting agent in pesticides

Improving efficacy: Wetting agent can increase the contact area of pesticides on the surface of crops or pests, making pesticides easier to be absorbed and play a role. When spraying pesticides, wetting agents enable pesticide solutions to be evenly spread on the surface of leaves, improve the adhesion and coverage of pesticides, and thus improve efficacy.

Promoting systemic absorption: For systemic pesticides, wetting agents can guide pesticides to spread on the surface of crops and enter the interior of crops along the pores or other channels of crops, so that pesticides can play a better role.

Reduce the amount of pesticides used: Since wetting agents can significantly improve the adhesion and coverage of pesticides, they can reduce the amount of pesticides used in practical applications, reduce pesticide residues and environmental pollution.

Improve the utilization rate of pesticides: The use of wetting agents can make pesticides more evenly distributed on the surface of crops or pests, reduce the loss and waste of pesticides, and improve the utilization rate of pesticides.

4. Precautions for using wetting agents

Although wetting agents play an important role in pesticides, you should also pay attention to the following points when using them:

Use according to the prescribed dosage: Excessive use of wetting agents may cause pesticide damage to crops and affect the normal growth of crops.

Choose a suitable wetting agent: Different crops and pests have different requirements for wetting agents, so it is necessary to choose a suitable wetting agent according to the actual situation.

Pay attention to the use with other adjuvants: When using pesticides, wetting agents often need to be used in combination with other adjuvants to achieve the best prevention and control effect. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the interaction and matching ratio between various adjuvants.

V. Conclusion

Wetting agents play a vital role in pesticides. They reduce surface tension, making it easier for pesticides to spread and work on the surface of crops or pests. In practical applications, wetting agents can not only improve the efficacy of pesticides, reduce the amount of pesticides used and reduce pesticide residues, but also promote the healthy growth of crops and ensure the safety of agricultural products. Therefore, it is very necessary to add an appropriate amount of wetting agents to pesticide formulations.