What is the function of adjuvants in pesticide formulation?

Adjuvants play a critical role in enhancing the performance of pesticides by altering their physical properties or increasing their effectiveness when applied. These substances can modify the surface tension, improve the spreading and wetting of the pesticide on plant surfaces, enhance absorption, and help the active ingredient to better penetrate the target site. By improving the overall efficacy of the pesticide, adjuvants enable better control of pests and diseases, which can lead to more effective pest management strategies.

In this context, while other choices mention aspects like cost reduction or stabilization of formulations, these do not accurately capture the primary function of adjuvants. Their main purpose is to improve how well a pesticide works, making them a vital component in pesticide formulations.