Annual worldwide spray adjuvant sales are currently estimated to be worth more than $1.5 billion. A significant part of this estimate represents the value of adjuvants built into pesticide formulations. But many millions of dollars are also spent on stand-alone products retailed as adjuvants, surfactants and wetting agents.

In Australia, more than 400 branded products are registered for use as spray adjuvants (208), surfactants (72) or wetting agents (165) (APVMA Pubcris). These include about 30 different ‘active ingredients’, some of which are combined in individual products to provide different functions.

Spray adjuvants are used within formulations and in tank mixes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural chemical application. The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has developed this publication to equip consultants, agronomists and growers with a greater understanding of adjuvant attributes and their properties.