Which type of adjuvant increases the viscosity of spray mixtures?

The type of adjuvant that increases the viscosity of spray mixtures is a thickener. Thickeners are compounds added to pesticide formulations or spray mixtures to enhance their viscosity. By increasing viscosity, thickeners help in improving the stability and uniformity of the spray mix, allowing for better coverage on target surfaces and reducing the risk of runoff and drift.

This property is particularly beneficial when applying pesticides on surfaces that may be uneven or where retention is critical. Utilizing thickeners can lead to more efficient pesticide application, ensuring that the product remains on the intended surface longer, which can improve efficacy.

In contrast, stickers are used to help products adhere to plant surfaces, extenders often serve to increase the volume of spray mixtures without affecting viscosity, and surfactants aid in spreading and penetrating of the pesticide solution but do not primarily focus on increasing viscosity. Understanding the specific roles of adjuvants is important for effective pesticide application in home inspections.