MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which type of adjuvant can help to reduce drift when applying pesticides?

1. Spreader

2. Compatibility agent

3. Foaming agent

4. Surfactant

The correct answer is: Foaming agent

The use of a foaming agent as an adjuvant can be effective in reducing drift during pesticide application. Foaming agents work by creating a foam that increases the droplet size of the pesticide formulation. Larger droplets are less prone to being carried away by the wind, which minimizes drift and helps ensure that the pesticide is delivered more accurately to the target area. This is especially crucial in agricultural practices where preventing unintended damage to non-target crops or surrounding environments is essential. Other types of adjuvants, like spreaders, compatibility agents, and surfactants, serve different functions. Spreaders are primarily used to enhance the coverage of pesticides on the target surface by allowing the liquid to spread evenly. Compatibility agents help in ensuring that different pesticide formulations can mix without separating. Surfactants increase the wetting and spreading capabilities of a pesticide solution but do not significantly affect droplet size in a way that would reduce drift. Hence, while these may improve application efficacy in other ways, it is the foaming agent that plays a direct role in drift management.