Which type of adjuvant increases the viscosity of spray mixtures?

A thickener is a type of adjuvant specifically designed to increase the viscosity of spray mixtures. By adding a thickener to a liquid formulation, it enhances the product's ability to adhere to surfaces and provides better control during application. Increased viscosity helps minimize drift and ensures more uniform coverage on target areas, which is particularly important for achieving effective pest control and reducing off-target pesticide movement.

The function of other adjuvants differs significantly from that of thickeners. Surfactants, for example, primarily work to lower the surface tension of the liquid, improving the wetting and spreading capabilities of the pesticide on plant surfaces. Solvents help dissolve active ingredients and facilitate their delivery but do not significantly influence viscosity. Dispersants aid in stabilizing the mixture, preventing the separation of different components; they are designed to keep solids uniformly suspended rather than modifying the overall viscosity of the formulation. Each type of adjuvant plays a unique role, but for increasing viscosity specifically, a thickener is essential.