How should non-tested adjuvants be used in relation to pesticide applications?

Non-tested adjuvants should be used cautiously in relation to pesticide applications. This is because while adjuvants can enhance the effectiveness of pesticides, their untested nature means that their interactions with specific pesticides, formulations, or target pests are unknown. The use of such adjuvants without adequate testing can potentially lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced efficacy, phytotoxicity (plant injury), or adverse environmental impacts. Using them cautiously allows for a careful consideration of potential risks while still enabling practitioners to explore their benefits, provided that they are properly evaluated in conjunction with tested products. This approach promotes safety and efficacy while ensuring that pest control objectives are met without compromising plant health or ecological balance.