Illinois Pesticide Applicator Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Surfactants play a crucial role in pesticide applications by decreasing the surface tension of water. When water’s surface tension is lowered, it allows the pesticide to spread more evenly over the plant surface or target area, facilitating better coverage and absorption. This increased spreadability ensures that the pesticide can adequately make contact with the pest or plant tissue, enhancing its effectiveness. By improving the spreading and wetting properties of the pesticide solution, surfactants contribute to more efficient applications and can lead to better control of the target pests or diseases.