Pesticide Formulations

Pesticide Formulations Mr. Fellenbaum Ag 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

Pesticide Formulations