What percentage of surfactant is typically found in crop oil concentrates?

Prepare for the Public Health Pest Control Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get equipped for your test!

In crop oil concentrates, the typical percentage of surfactant is generally within the range of 15-20 percent. Surfactants are critical in enhancing the effectiveness of pesticide applications by improving the spreading and wetting properties of the spray solution. This helps ensure that the pesticide adheres effectively to the target plants and penetrates the cuticle of plant surfaces better than water alone would permit.

Having surfactants at this level maximizes the pesticide's ability to perform its intended function while preventing excessive runoff or evaporation, which could happen if the surfactant levels were lower or significantly higher. This balance is crucial for both efficacy and safety in agricultural practices.

Other options suggest percentages that are either too low or too high for typical formulations found in crop oil concentrates. While at least 10 percent might be considered a minimum for some formulations, the more specific and accurate range of 15-20 percent provides a better representation of standard practices. Higher values, like 30-35 percent or 50 percent, would not be typical as they could lead to excessive costs and may create phytotoxicity or other adverse effects on non-target organisms.

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