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Effect of Adjuvants on Physical–Chemical Properties, Droplet Size, and Drift Reduction Potential

Author

Listed:
  • Sérgio Basílio

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36510-000, MG, Brazil)

  • Marconi Ribeiro Furtado Júnior

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36510-000, MG, Brazil)

  • Cleyton Batista de Alvarenga

    (Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38400-000, MG, Brazil)

  • Edney Leandro da Vitória

    (Department of Agricultural and Biological Science, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil)

  • Beatriz Costalonga Vargas

    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36510-000, MG, Brazil)

  • Salvatore Privitera

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanization, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Luciano Caruso

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanization, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Emanuele Cerruto

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanization, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Manetto

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanization, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

Adjuvants alter the physical–chemical properties of pesticide formulations, influencing either the droplet size or drift phenomenon. Selecting the appropriate adjuvant and understanding its characteristics can contribute to the efficiency of Plant Protection Product (PPP) application. This reduces drift losses and promotes better deposition on the crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of four commercial adjuvants based on mineral oil (Agefix and Assist), vegetable oil (Aureo), and polymer (BREAK-THRU) on the physical–chemical properties (surface tension, contact angle, volumetric mass, electrical conductivity, and pH), droplet size, and drift, using pure water as the control treatment (no adjuvant). Surface tension and contact angle were measured with a DSA30 droplet shape analyzer, while droplet size measurements were determined through a laser diffraction particle analyzer (Malvern Spraytec), using a single flat fan spray nozzle (AXI 110 03) operating at 0.3 MPa. Drift reduction potential was evaluated inside a wind tunnel with an air speed of 2 m s −1 . All adjuvants reduced surface tension and contact angle compared to water. volumetric median diameter (VMD) increased for Aureo, Assist, and Agefix, generating coarse, medium, and medium droplets, respectively, while BREAK-THRU formed fine droplets, similar to those generated by water. Aureo had the greatest reduction in Relative Span Factor ( R S F ), with a reduction of 30.3%. Overall, Aureo, Assist, and Agefix adjuvants significantly reduced the percentage of droplets <100 µm and increased those >500 µm. Drift reduction potential was achieved for all adjuvants, with Aureo showing the highest reduction of 59.35%. The study confirms that selecting the appropriate adjuvant can improve PPP application and promote environmental sustainability in agricultural practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Sérgio Basílio & Marconi Ribeiro Furtado Júnior & Cleyton Batista de Alvarenga & Edney Leandro da Vitória & Beatriz Costalonga Vargas & Salvatore Privitera & Luciano Caruso & Emanuele Cerruto & Giusep, 2024. "Effect of Adjuvants on Physical–Chemical Properties, Droplet Size, and Drift Reduction Potential," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-21, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:12:p:2271-:d:1541576
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salvatore Privitera & Emanuele Cerruto & Giuseppe Manetto & Sebastian Lupica & David Nuyttens & Donald Dekeyser & Ingrid Zwertvaegher & Marconi Ribeiro Furtado Júnior & Beatriz Costalonga Vargas, 2024. "Comparison between Liquid Immersion, Laser Diffraction, PDPA, and Shadowgraphy in Assessing Droplet Size from Agricultural Nozzles," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Muyesaier Tudi & Huada Daniel Ruan & Li Wang & Jia Lyu & Ross Sadler & Des Connell & Cordia Chu & Dung Tri Phung, 2021. "Agriculture Development, Pesticide Application and Its Impact on the Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-23, January.
    3. Małgorzata Holka & Jolanta Kowalska, 2023. "The Potential of Adjuvants Used with Microbiological Control of Insect Pests with Emphasis on Organic Farming," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-14, August.
    4. Yuan Zhong & Ye Jin & Shaoqing Xu & Xiangrui Liu & Jianli Song, 2023. "Efficacy of Two Tank-Mix Adjuvants to Control Mango Thrips Using a UAV Sprayer," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-15, September.
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