Which term is a substance that assists plant absorption of a herbicide by dissolving the waxy cuticle or fatty portion of the cell wall or membrane?

Which term is a substance that assists plant absorption of a herbicide by dissolving the waxy cuticle or fatty portion of the cell wall or membrane?

• A. A sticker
• B. Detergents
• C. Surfactant
• D. A penetration agent

Answer: (D)

When herbicide uptake is the goal, look for what specifically helps the chemical cross the leaf’s protective barrier. The substance described as dissolving the waxy cuticle or fatty portions of the cell wall or membrane is a penetration agent. Its job is to disrupt that waxy layer so the herbicide can get into the leaf tissue more easily. Stickers keep the spray on the surface, while surfactants (including detergents) mainly reduce surface tension to improve wetting and spreading; they don’t primarily dissolve the cuticle. So the best fit for dissolving the barrier to boost absorption is the penetration agent.

When herbicide uptake is the goal, look for what specifically helps the chemical cross the leaf’s protective barrier. The substance described as dissolving the waxy cuticle or fatty portions of the cell wall or membrane is a penetration agent. Its job is to disrupt that waxy layer so the herbicide can get into the leaf tissue more easily. Stickers keep the spray on the surface, while surfactants (including detergents) mainly reduce surface tension to improve wetting and spreading; they don’t primarily dissolve the cuticle. So the best fit for dissolving the barrier to boost absorption is the penetration agent.