Pesticide Formulations Fred Fishel, Ph.D. Department of Agronomy University of Florida/IFAS

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.

Objectives Participants should gain an understanding of The components of a formulation Advantages and disadvantages of Liquid formulations Dry formulations Fumigants Adjuvants

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

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

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?

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

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

Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC or E) -oils dispersed in water and contain an emulsifier which allows them to be mixed with water

Emulsifiable Concentrates Advantages Versatile with many uses Needs little, but some agitation Disadvantages Readily absorbed through skin Potential foliage burn under high temps

Water-soluble liquids (S, SL or SC) -once mixed with water, there is no settling out

Ready-to-Use (RTU)

-thick materials that require a good agitation system Flowables/Water-Dispersible Liquids (AS, F, FL, L or WDL) -thick materials that require a good agitation system

Smoke and fog generators are used in structures for insect control.

Invert emulsions form large drops to minimize drift.

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

Most dusts are ready-to-use.

A bait is an example of a dry formulated product that is applied without mixing.

Granular (G)

Granular (G) Advantages Disadvantages 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

Wettable Powders (W or WP)

Wettable Powders (W or WP) Advantages Relatively safe on foliage (no burning) Disadvantages Constant agitation required Abrasive wear of equipment Inhalation hazard

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

Dry Flowables (DF) and Water Dispersible Granules (WDG) Advantages Less inhalation hazard than WPs Disadvantages Essentially the same as the WPs

Fumigants

Fumigants Highly toxic to many organisms Off-site movement potential Extreme inhalation hazard

Adjuvants Wetting agents Emulsifiers Spreaders Stickers Anti-foaming agents Foaming agents Safeners Compatibility agents Buffers

Check the label – some pesticides require adjuvants for effectiveness.

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. 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. Fred Fishel, Ph.D. Department of Agronomy University of Florida/IFAS Copyright 2005 University of Florida