Pesticide Formulations

Mr. FellenbaumAg Science III

Objectives•Define Pesticide Formulation•Define the different pesticide

formulations•Discuss the pros and cons of each

formulation

What is a pesticide formulation?

•The composition of the pesticide•Made up of two things—

a. Active ingredients-what controls the pest

b. Inert ingredients-filler material to spread out the active ingredient

Emulsifiable Concentrates

• Known as EC• Liquid formulation • Active ingredient dissolved

in petroleum based solvent• Emulsifier added so that oil

can disperse in water• White when added to H20• 2-8 lbs. active ingredient/g

Pros

•Easy to handle, transport, and store

•Little agitation•Can use with a wide range of

applicators•Nonabrasive to equipment•Does not plug

Cons

•Rapidly absorbed through skin•Risk of phytotoxicity when temps

are high•Can pit or discolor treated surface•May deteriorate rubber or plastic•Fire hazard (petroleum)

Solutions

•Active ingredient dissolved in liquid solvent

•May need diluted•Same pros and cons as EC’s•ULV-Ultra Low Volume

-80-100% Active Ingredient-Less frequent refills

Soluble Powders

•Dissolves in water to form true solution

•No extra mixing required•Similar Pros and Cons to

WP’s, except they are not abrasive

Wettable Powders (WP)

•Finely ground, dry formulation•25-80% Active ingredient•Forms a suspension when mixed

with water-Suspension—does not dissolve,

requires constant agitation

Pros

•Easy to store, transport, and handle

•Slow skin absorption•Low risk of phytotoxicity•Low cost

Cons

•Constant agitation• Inhalation of dust•Abrasive•Clogs screens and nozzles•Difficult to mix in hard or

alkaline water•Leaves residue

Flowables (F)

•Powder in suspension of a liquid carrier

•4 lbs/gallon of active ingredient

•Same cons as WP’s (except dust)

•Must shake containers •Easy to handle

Dry Flowables (DF) & Water Dispersable Granules (WDG)

• Like WP’s, except in granular form• Granules break apart when they hit

H20• Less dust than WP’s• More easily measured and mixed

than WP’s

Microencapsulated

•Active ingredient encased in a capsule

•Mixed in suspension•Slow release of active

ingredient once applied

Pros

•Safe and easy to handle•Capsule prevents dermal

absorption by the applicator

Cons

•Bees may carry capsules back to hive in pollen basket which can destroy the hive

•May clog nozzle screens•Agitation required to keep

suspended

Dusts (D)

•1-10% Active Ingredient•Mixed with finely ground substance•No mixing, easy application•Drift is a problem•Wind and rain remove quickly• Irritating to user•Expensive for amount of AI

Baits (B)

•AI mixed with edible substance

•No special application eqpmnt.

•May be attractive to non-target pests

•Dead pests may stink•Cost high if repeated baiting

needed

Granules (G) & Pellets (P)

• 5-20% AI, applied to porous, solid material

• Used to control pests in soil• AI absorbed by plant roots• Little dust or drift hazard• Need incorporation• May be eaten by non target animals• May get trapped in some plants

Aerosols

•AI in solution in a pressurized container

•Easy to use and store•High cost• Inhalation injury possible•Drift a problem•Flammable!

Fumigants•Chemicals active as

gases•Used in soil and closed

structures•Kills anything•Penetrates cracks•One treatment enough•Most hazardous•Must enclose area