Pesticide wetting agents: The invisible assistants in agricultural production
In the world of pesticides, wetting agents play a crucial role. They not only help pesticides function more
effectively but also enhance agricultural production efficiency and reduce production costs.
I. Definition and Working Principle of Wetting Agents
Wetting agents are substances that can reduce the interfacial tension between liquid and solid, increase
the contact of liquid with solid surfaces, or enhance the wetting and spreading of the liquid on solid surfaces.
Simply put, they act like super mediators, breaking the "invisible film" on the surface of pesticide solutions,
making it easier for the pesticide solution to spread on the surfaces of crops or pests.
The surface
of crop leaves or the bodies of pests often has a hydrophobic structure, just like the waxy layer on the surface of
lotus leaves, making it difficult for water or pesticide solutions to spread out on them. Wetting agents, by reducing
surface tension, enable pesticide solutions to adhere to the target surface like glue, thereby significantly enhancing
the coverage and adhesion of pesticides.
II. Advantages of Pesticide Wetting Agents
Enhanced Pesticide Efficacy: Wetting agents enable pesticides to spread evenly on leaf surfaces, just like covering
them with a uniform thin blanket, allowing pesticides to better contact pests or pathogens and thereby enhancing efficacy.
For systemic pesticides, wetting agents can also guide pesticides into the interior of crops, further improving control effectiveness.
Reduced Pesticide Usage: Due to the significant improvement in adhesion and coverage provided by wetting agents,
the amount of pesticides used in practice can be reduced, achieving the goal of reducing pesticide use while increasing efficacy.
This not only lowers agricultural production costs but also reduces environmental pollution.
Increased Production Efficiency: Adding wetting agents during the pesticide manufacturing process can improve the dispersibility
and suspension of pesticide formulations, thereby enhancing production efficiency. Additionally, wetting agents can reduce the size
of pesticide droplets and shorten the distance they travel, ensuring more uniform coverage on target surfaces.
Enhanced Pesticide Stability: Some wetting agents also have the function of stabilizing pesticide components, preventing decomposition
or degradation during storage and use, thus extending the shelf life and effectiveness of pesticides.
Wide Applicability: Wetting agents are suitable for various pesticide formulations and multiple crops, offering broad applicability.
Whether it's wettable powders, soluble powders, or water dispersible granules, wetting agents can be added to improve their performance.
III. Precautions for Use
Although pesticide wetting agents offer numerous advantages, the following points should be noted during use:Use as per the prescribed dosage: Excessive use may cause phytotoxicity to crops, affecting their normal growth and development.
Select the appropriate wetting agent: Different pesticides and crops have different requirements for wetting agents, so it is necessary
to choose the appropriate wetting agent based on the actual situation.
Pay attention to the mixing sequence: When mixed with other pesticides for use, pay attention to the mixing sequence and proportion
to avoid adverse reactions or reduced efficacy.
Protect the ecological environment: When using pesticides containing wetting agents, pay attention to protecting the ecological
environment and avoid pollution to soil, water sources and air.
4. Conclusion
As an invisible assistant in agricultural production, pesticide wetting agents play a significant role in enhancing the efficacy of
pesticides, reducing the amount of pesticide used, and improving production efficiency. However, their application also requires
following certain norms and precautions.
