Influence of surfactant <scp>HLB</scp> values and commercial agricultural adjuvants on pesticide mimic penetration in plant leaves

Surfactant polarity plays a key role in overcoming cuticular resistance on waxy, low-polarity leaves like green onion. On more permeable leaves, adjuvant performance is governed by surface characteristics. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring adjuvant selection to both pesticide polarity and crop-specific leaf properties. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.