ORGANOSILICONE SURFACTANT PERFORMANCE IN AGRICULTURAL SPRAY APPLICATION - A REVIEW

The effects of organosilicone surfactants on the physico-chemical properties of spray solutions, and on foliar uptake and field performance of agrochemicals are reviewed. Aqueous solutions of organosilicone surfactants frequently have lower equilibrium surface tensions (down to 20 mN m-1) than conventional surfactants. Dynamic surface tension of silicone surfactants, however, is not consistently lower than that of conventional surfactants. On leaf surfaces of many plant species spray droplets containing organosilicone surfactants spread completely. Organosilicone surfactants are ineffective in lowering surface tension when mixed with most conventional surfactants. However, polyalkylene oxide surfactants do not interfere with surface tension lowering by organosilicone surfactants. Some organosilicone surfactants degrade rapidly in acidic or alkaline spray solutions and degradation adversely affects performance. Generally, organosilicone surfactants increase foliar uptake and field performance of agrochemicals more rapidly, but final uptake is not consistently different from conventional surfactants. Frequently, mass flow of the spray solution through open stomata accounts for rapid enhancement of uptake and performance, The studies reviewed suggested that some organosilicone surfactants may offer advantages over conventional surfactants, but require some precautions if their full potential is to be utilized.