What type of agent is used to enhance the dispersion of liquid in pesticide formulations?

Emulsifying agents play a crucial role in pesticide formulations that contain both water and oils. Their primary function is to stabilize mixtures of immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, by reducing the surface tension at their interface. This stabilization allows for a uniform distribution of the pesticide throughout the formulation, ensuring that the active ingredients can effectively engage with target pests when applied.

While surfactants can also help in reducing surface tension and may overlap in functionality with emulsifying agents, their primary focus is on improving spreading and wetting rather than forming stable emulsions. Adjuvants is a broader category that includes emulsifiers, surfactants, and other substances that enhance the effectiveness or applicability of pesticide formulations. Thickeners are used to modify the viscosity of a formulation and do not specifically enhance dispersion in the context intended by the question.