Which category of spray modifiers helps to spread the pesticide on the target surface?

Surfactants fall under the category of spray modifiers that play an essential role in enhancing the distribution of pesticides on target surfaces. By reducing the surface tension of the spray solution, surfactants promote better wetting and spreading of the pesticide, ensuring that it adheres more effectively to the plant surfaces, soil, or other surfaces being treated. This increased penetration and coverage can significantly improve the efficacy of the pesticide by allowing for more uniform application and reducing runoff.

In agricultural and pest management practices, the function of surfactants is critical, as they can also help facilitate better absorption of the active ingredients into the plant tissues. While adjuvants encompass a broader category that includes various substances that enhance pesticide performance (a category that surfactants can also belong to), surfactants specifically focus on the spreading aspect, which directly addresses the question.