What is a chemical added to the pesticide mixture that makes an active ingredient more effective?

An adjuvant is a chemical added to a pesticide formulation to improve the effectiveness of the active ingredient. It can enhance various properties of the pesticide, such as its ability to spread, adhere, or penetrate the surface of the target pest or plant. Adjuvants may also help to stabilize the pesticide mixture, reduce evaporative losses, or improve compatibility with other formulations.

In understanding the role of adjuvants, it's important to recognize that they do not act as pesticides themselves but rather support the primary active ingredient in achieving better efficacy. This can lead to improved performance in pest control, making them a crucial component in many pesticide applications.