Do we need adjuvants? Mechanistic studies and implications for future developments

Abstract

Whilst adjuvant materials have been used for many decades, the basis for their application with pesticides has often been empirical. Due to pressures on the crop protection industry, there has been increased motivation for rational scientific evaluation of the mode(s) of action of adjuvants. An increased understanding offers the potential for optimised delivery and dose reduction, with associated cost and environmental benefits. Changes in preferred formulation types may necessitate increased adjuvant usage to maintain activity. The continuing role of adjuvants will be influenced by biotechnology and its impact on conventional crop protection chemistry. However, chemical inputs within integrated crop management regimes are likely to continue for many decades.