Penetrant (biochemical)
Encyclopedia
A biochemical penetrant is a chemical that increases the ability of a poison to apply its toxic effect to a living organism.
Typically, the term penetrant when used for a biochemical agent, relates to an agrichemical
that is used with a weedkiller or fungicide
. The term seems to be used in relation to agrichemicals within English speaking countries rather than North American.
When mixed with a weedkiller (normally as an aqua solution) the penetrant chemical causes a plant to absorb the poison in a more effective manner and so succumb more readily. Penetrants are most often used against plants that would otherwise be able to resist the weedkiller. Often such plants have tough leaves or shiny leaves that shed water easily.
Typically, the term penetrant when used for a biochemical agent, relates to an agrichemical
Agrichemical
Agrochemical , a contraction of agricultural chemical, is a generic term for the various chemical products used in agriculture. In most cases, agrichemical refers to the broad range of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides...
that is used with a weedkiller or fungicide
Fungicide
Fungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores. Fungi can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in critical losses of yield, quality and profit. Fungicides are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infections in animals...
. The term seems to be used in relation to agrichemicals within English speaking countries rather than North American.
When mixed with a weedkiller (normally as an aqua solution) the penetrant chemical causes a plant to absorb the poison in a more effective manner and so succumb more readily. Penetrants are most often used against plants that would otherwise be able to resist the weedkiller. Often such plants have tough leaves or shiny leaves that shed water easily.