Pesticide application efficiency is dependent upon the physical-chemical characteristics of the spray aqueous solution. Thus, this study evaluated adjuvant addition and temperature effect on the physical-chemical characteristics of pesticide spray aqueous solutions. Hydrogenionic potential, electrical conductivity, density, dynamic viscosity, surface tension and stability of aqueous solution with four commercial adjuvants were evaluated, besides water alone. A randomized design with four replications was used, in a factorial scheme (5 x 3). According to the results, it could be concluded that the temperature effect on the physical-chemical characteristics was different for each adjuvant, showing that no simple or linear relationship could be observed. The adjuvant effect on the physical-chemical characteristics of aqueous solutions was based on their chemical properties and formulation. Temperature affected viscosity with more intensity, while surface tension was the most sensitive characteristic of adjuvant addition.
spray additives; agrochemicals; surfactants; application technology
