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

2. 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.

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

4. 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

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

6. 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?

7. 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

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

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

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

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

13. Ready-to-Use (RTU)

14. -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

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

16. Invert emulsions form large drops to minimize drift.

17. 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

18. Most dusts are ready-to-use.

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

21. Granular (G)

22. 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

23. Wettable Powders (W or WP)

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

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

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

27. Fumigants

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

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

31. Check the label – some pesticides require adjuvants for effectiveness.

32. 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