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Our Successes
Identify and introduce innovative surfactant systems
The first commercial agrichemical organosilicone surfactant was discovered and tested by PPCNZ in 1980. Since the introduction of Pulse® (Silwet L-77) in 1985 by Monsanto New Zealand for use with Roundup® for the control of gorse, several other related compounds have been identified and brought to market. The latest in a series of "designer adjuvants" is Du-Wett® (Elliott Chemicals Ltd) which has superspreading capability with limited stomatal infiltration properties.
We now have a bibliography of several hundred articles and papers on the use of organosilicone surfactants.
The elucidation and proof of the mode of action of low surface tension spray solutions was through research by PPCNZ who showed through radiotracer uptake, light and confocal microscopy that foliar uptake of spray solutions containing specific organosilicone surfactants could be by mass flow via leaf stomata.
Stevens, PJG. 1993. Organosilicone surfactants as adjuvants for agrochemicals. Pesticide Science. 38: 103-122.
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