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Pesticide Formulations

Fred Fishel, Ph.D.

Department of Agronomy

University of Florida/IFAS

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Information that will be presented throughout this presentation is based upon Unit 3 in the Florida Core Manual, Applying Pesticides Correctly. You can purchase a copy to keep on hand for a reference from the IFAS Extension Bookstore.

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Objectives

• Participants should gain an understanding of– The components of a formulation– Advantages and disadvantages of

• Liquid formulations• Dry formulations• Fumigants

– Adjuvants

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Pesticide Ingredients

• ACTIVE – responsible for killing the pest

• INERT – makes the formulation safer, more effective and easier to handle

• ADJUVANT – may or may not already be present in the product; used for the same reason as the inert ingredients

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A single active ingredient may be sold in more than one formulation.

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Formulation Considerations:

• Do you have the right equipment?• Can it be applied safely under the

existing conditions?• Will it reach the target and stay in

place?• Will it harm contacted surfaces?

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Liquid Formulations and Abbreviations

• RTU – ready to use

• EC or E – emulsifiable concentrate

• S, SL or SC – water soluble liquids

• AS, F, FL, L or WDL – aqueous suspensions, flowables, water-dispersible liquids

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The amount of active ingredient in liquid pesticides is expressed in pounds per

gallon.

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Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC or E)

-oils dispersed in water and contain an emulsifier which allows them to be

mixed with water

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Emulsifiable Concentrates

• Advantages– Versatile with many uses– Needs little, but some agitation

• Disadvantages– Readily absorbed through skin– Potential foliage burn under high temps

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Water-soluble liquids (S, SL or SC)

-once mixed with water, there is no settling out

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Ready-to-Use (RTU)

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Flowables/Water-Dispersible Liquids (AS, F, FL, L or WDL)

-thick materials that require a good agitation system

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Smoke and fog generators are

used in structures for insect control.

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Invert emulsions form large drops to minimize drift.

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Dry Formulations and Abbreviations

• D – dusts

• B – baits

• G – granular

• WP or W – wettable powder

• SP or WSP– soluble powder

• DF – dry flowable

• WDG – water dispersible granule

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Most dusts are ready-to-use.

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A bait is an example of a dry formulated

product that is applied without

mixing.

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Granular (G)

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Granular (G)

• Advantages– Ready-to-use– No drift– Commonly used in turf and ornamentals

• Disadvantages– Bulky– Non-target organisms (birds) may consume– Potential off-site movement from rain/wind

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Wettable Powders (W or WP)

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Wettable Powders (W or WP)

• Advantages– Relatively safe on foliage (no burning)

• Disadvantages– Constant agitation required– Abrasive wear of equipment– Inhalation hazard

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Dry Flowables (DF) and Water Dispersible Granules (WDG)

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Dry Flowables (DF) and Water Dispersible Granules (WDG)

• Advantages– Less inhalation hazard than WPs

• Disadvantages– Essentially the same as the WPs

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Fumigants

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Fumigants

• Highly toxic to many organisms

• Off-site movement potential

• Extreme inhalation hazard

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Adjuvants

• Wetting agents• Emulsifiers• Spreaders• Stickers• Anti-foaming agents

• Foaming agents• Safeners• Compatibility agents• Buffers

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Check the label – some pesticides require adjuvants for effectiveness.

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Photo Credits• University of Florida Dept. of Entomology and Nematology• University of Missouri• N.C. State University• University of Arizona• Purdue University• Degesch America, Inc.

Fred Fishel, Ph.D.

Department of Agronomy

University of Florida/IFAS

Copyright 2005 University of Florida

Mention of trade names in this presentation is solely for providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer’s label.