1. Pesticide Formulations
Mr. From foukeffa.org
Written by Mr. Fellenbaum
Ag Science III
GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office
To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson
July 2001

2. Objectives Define Pesticide Formulation
Define the different pesticide formulations
Discuss the pros and cons of each formulation

3. 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

4. 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

5. Pros Easy to handle, transport, and store Little agitation
Can use with a wide range of applicators
Nonabrasive to equipment
Does not plug

6. 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)

7. Solutions Active ingredient dissolved in liquid solvent
May need diluted
Same pros and cons as EC’s
ULV-Ultra Low Volume
% Active Ingredient
-Less frequent refills

8. 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

9. 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

10. Pros Easy to store, transport, and handle Slow skin absorption
Low risk of phytotoxicity
Low cost

11. Cons Constant agitation Inhalation of dust Abrasive
Clogs screens and nozzles
Difficult to mix in hard or alkaline water
Leaves residue

12. 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

13. 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

14. Microencapsulated Active ingredient encased in a capsule
Mixed in suspension
Slow release of active ingredient once applied

15. Pros Safe and easy to handle
Capsule prevents dermal absorption by the applicator

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. Aerosols AI in solution in a pressurized container
Easy to use and store
High cost
Inhalation injury possible
Drift a problem
Flammable!

21. Fumigants Chemicals active as gases Used in soil and closed structures
Kills anything
Penetrates cracks
One treatment enough
Most hazardous
Must enclose area