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Which additives for chemical crop protection are there?

additives for chemical crop protection
Written by Jan-Paul de Wit| Last update: 16-09-2020

Additives increase the effectiveness of chemical crop protection. They are processed into the formulation of crop protection products or are available as a product that can be added to the spray solution later. Adding an additive to the spray solution can make the crop protection product more effective. Properties that they can influence include the distribution, absorption and adhesion of active substances.



Factors in choosing additives

Selecting the most suitable additive requires good knowledge. The formulation and mode of action of a plant protection product, the application technique, but also the crop and the climate are factors that play an important role in this. When you add up the large number of different additives on the market, it becomes clear that choosing the right additive is not easy.



Main categories

Additives can be roughly divided into three main categories: absorption enhancers, (super) wetting agents and adhesives.

  • Additives for absorption improvement: These are often oily substances that ensure that the active substance of the crop protection product is better absorbed into the leaf and is absorbed into the sap flow. Read more about the different types of absorption enhancers and the combination options with crop protection products here.
  • (Super) wetting agents: these are surfactants that reduce the tension of the spray solution, so that it spreads better over the crop, thus preventing droplet formation. Examples of (super) wetting agent are Hi-Wett, Zipper, Agral Gold and Silwet Gold.
  • Adhesives: these additives have been specially developed to adhere the active substance of crop protection agents to the crop or soil. As a result, the active substance is less likely to wash off the leaf or the soil.

Related products

Other additives 

  • Wetting agents: these are adjuvants that apply a film layer on all water-repellent parts in the substrate. This creates an optimal balance between air and water, which benefits cultivation. In addition, the crop dries up considerably faster because the adjuvant prevents droplet formation and a very thin water film is formed on the leaf. An example of a wetting agent is Motto.
  • Evaporation inhibitors: this adjuvant offers a solution when a crop protection product is sprayed via fog or LVM equipment. The evaporation inhibitor then ensures that the droplets are uniform, distribution takes place evenly and the mist becomes visible. An example of an evaporation inhibitor is Ekomist.
  • Water conditioners: these additives can influence the pH or the water hardness of the spray solution. In some cases, too high and acidity or hardness of the spray liquid can negatively influence the effectiveness of a crop protection product. An example of a water conditioner is Easi-Mix.
  • Water distributors: a water distributor breaks the surface tension of water and ensures that water (including (nutrients) substances) penetrates the water-repellent film layer that may be present on some parts in the substrate. This creates an optimal balance between air and water, which benefits cultivation. This also improves the rewetting of the substrate. Plants absorb water (including (nutrients) substances) more quickly, so that stress is much better withstood due to drought. An example of a water distributor is AquaGro L.
  • Sugar attractant: this adjuvant lures insects out of their hiding place, making it easier for them to come into contact with the plant protection product used. Sugar bait is a sugar attractant.
  • Fluorescent substance: this makes the spray image visible. The result of a spray with fluorescent substance can be viewed with the help of a black light in the dark.

More information about additives/adjuvants

Do you have questions about the use of additives, or would you like tailor-made advice? Please contact crop protection specialist Jan-Paul de Wit, or ask your question using the form below. We will contact you as soon as possible - even within 24 hours on working days.




Jan-PaulAbout Jan-Paul de Wit
Jan-Paul de Wit is specialist in Integrated Pest Management. He helps and advices growers on how to improve their crops and how to fight diseases, viruses and pests. He advises on the best products to use so that they optimally match the objectives of the grower, as well as the crop, greenhouse and environment.





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