Chapter 4 National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core .

CHAPTER 4Pesticide FormulationsChapter 4National Pesticide Applicator CertificationCore Manual

CHAPTER 4PesticideFormulationsThis module will help you: Recognize formulation abbreviations Identify formulation advantagesand disadvantages Understand role of adjuvants

Important Definitions Active Ingredient (Ai) - the actualchemical in the product mixture thatcontrols the pest Inert Ingredient - other materials addedwith the AI when the product is formulated Phytotoxicity - plant damage Adjuvant - product added to spray tank toassist pesticide in its application

Pesticide Formulationactive ingredient (Ai)each Ai will be listed inert ingredientswater, emulsifierssolvents, dry carrier materialstabilizers, dyesurfactants: spreaders, stickerswetting agents

Pesticide Spray BatchPesticide Formulation Water or oilSpray additives Adjuvants

Product Formulations Active and Inert IngredientsLexone DF Active IngredientMetribuzin (4-amino-6-1-1 dimethlyethly3-methythio 1,2,4,triazine 5 4H-one) Inert Ingredients TOTAL EPA Reg. No. 12333-34425%75%100%

Lexone DF Active IngredientMetribuzin25% Inert Ingredients TOTAL75%100%Lexone 2E Active IngredientMetribuzin* Inert Ingredients TOTAL * contains 2 lbs metribuzin per gallon25%75%100%

Why Add Inert Ingredients?1. For ease of pesticide product handling2. Inerts make measuring and mixingpesticides easier3. To provide for safety4. Makes the Ai work better Better penetration More selectivityUniv. of Missouri Increased effectiveness

Adjuvant The term adjuvant basically meansadditive (you need to memorize it) Formulation additive Additive which is soldseparately to mix with theproduct when tank mixing Labels will often recommend to add anadjuvant Include surfactants, spreaders, wettingagents, colorant dyes, buffers,antifoaming agents, safeners, etc.

Deciphering the Ai Code inProduct Names80SP80% active ingredientby weightSoluble Powder1EC1 lb Ai/gallonemulsifiable concentrate40DF40 % active ingred.Dry Flowable

Brand Name Abbreviations Often brand names include abbreviationsthat describe something about theformulationD–G–SP –S–WP –EC –DF –WDG –WSPdustULVgranularRTUsoluble powderGLsolutionLOwettable powderemulsifiable concentratedry flowablewater dispersible granule–––––water soluble packetultra low volumeready to usegellow odor

Selecting a Formulation Evaluate advantages and disadvantages Do you have the right applicationequipment? Can the formulation be applied when andwhere it is needed? Will the formulation reach the target pestand be there long enough?

Spray Mix Terminology solution suspension emulsionHow does it reallymix in the spraytank?

SolutionActive IngredientEither liquid or dry substanceTRULY dissolves in waterjust like sugar or whiskey in water*usually transparent*

SuspensionSolid particles suspended in a liquidlike hot chocolateActive Ingredient (high %)impregnated onto Dry Carrierand mixed with anEmulsifier (slick, soapy)

EmulsionOne liquid dispersed within another liquidlike milkAiOilAi is dissolved in oil (oil/ai droplet)and mixed with an emulsifierAi/Oil mixture is suspended inwater forming a white OilAIOil

Liquid FormulationsEmulsifiable Concentrate (E or EC)Active ingredient (liquid) dissolved in apetroleum-based solvent with anemulsifier addedproductdilutedTurnswhitewhenmixedSmells ofsolvents

Liquid FormulationsEmulsifiable Concentrate (E or EC)High Ai%ADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES Easy to handle Little agitation Relatively easy onequipment Leaves little residue Phytotoxic – plant injury Easily absorbed by theskin Flammable Deterioration of rubberand plastic hoses

Liquid FormulationsSolutions (S)Ai dissolves in liquid carrier; once mixed withwater, solutions do not settle outproductdiluted

Liquid FormulationsSolutions (S)ADVANTAGES Easy to handleNo agitationEasy on equipmentNo residueUsed indoors/outdoorsDISADVANTAGES None

Liquid FormulationsReady-to-Use Low ConcentrateSolutions (RTU)Easy and relativelysafe to handleLess than 1% per unitvolume of activeingredient; high cost

Liquid FormulationsUltra-Low Volume (ULV) Special-purpose formulation Almost 100% active ingredient Agriculture, forestry, mosquito control

Liquid FormulationsUltra-Low Volume (ULV) ADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGESEasy to handleLittle or no agitationEasy on equipmentNo residueUsed indoors/outdoors High drift hazard Specialized equipmentneeded Solvent wear on rubberand plastic Calibration critical

Liquid FormulationsInvert Emulsions Oil carrier with water-solublepesticide – consistency ofmayonnaise Reduce drift and runoff Sticker-spreader Specialty uses: Rights-ofway and near sensitiveareas

Liquid FormulationsAerosols (A) Some are ready-to-use Little active ingredient High drift potential Some require highlyspecialized equipment Difficult to confine Respiratory protectionneeded

Dry FormulationsBaits (B)A bait is an example of a dry or liquid productthat is applied without mixing

Dry or Solid FormulationsBaits (B)ADVANTAGES Ready to use Coverage notcritical Control pest thatmove in and out ofareaDISADVANTAGES Attractive to children May kill domesticanimals and wildlife Dead pest odors Old bait may serve asfood source if inactive

Dry FormulationsPastes (P), Gels (GL)A bait formulated as a paste or gel that isapplied with a syringe or bait gun OdorlessMinimal exposureEasy to placeMelt at high temperaturesMay stain porous surfacesRepeat application cancreate unsightly buildup

Dry or Solid FormulationsDusts (D) and Granules (G) Ready-to-use Can reach hard to get placesAIdust Very little active ingredient Very fine, dry inert carrierAIgranule High drift potential Distribution and calibration a problem Dusts: Irritating to eyes, nose, throat, skin

Dry FormulationsGranules (G) and Pellets (P or PS)Granules Beads Pellets Granules: can be mistaken for food/feed

Dry Formulations Water Buy Dry -- Mix with water - Spray Wettable Powders (WP) Water Dispersible Granules (WDG) Dry Flowables (DF)Active Ingredient (high %)Dry CarrierEmulsifier (slick, soapy)

Dry FormulationsWettable Powders (WP or W)Wettable powders settle out quickly, thereforerequire constant agitation in the spray tankproductdiluted

Dry FormulationsWettable Powders – high Ai %ADVANTAGES Easy to store Easy to measure/mix Relatively less harmfulto plants, animals andsurfaces than ECs Less absorption byhuman skin and eyesDISADVANTAGES Inhalation hazard Constant agitation Difficult to mix in hardwater Abrasive to pumps andnozzles Visible residues

Dry FormulationsWater-dispersible Granules (WDG) orDry Flowables (DF)These materials possess some of the samecharacteristics as wettable powders except they areformulated into granular-sized particles, so are easier tohandle with little inhalation hazardproductdiluted

Dry FormulationsSoluble Powders (SP or WSP) Forms true solution, like sugar – noagitation Ai is 15-95% by weight Few pesticides are soluble powders

Dry FormulationsSoluble Powders – high Ai %ADVANTAGES Easy to measure/mix Form true solution Little phytotoxicityconcern Less absorption byhuman skin and eyesDISADVANTAGES Inhalation hazard

Liquid FormulationsFlowables (F) or Liquids (L)Flowables are basically a wettable powderpre-mixed with a liquid carrierproductdiluted

Other Formulations Microencapsulated High toxicity Ai inencased formulation Water-soluble packets No human exposurewhen mixing

Other Formulations Attractants/Repellents Impregnates Pesticide/FertilizerCombination Animal SystemicsUniversity of Kentucky

Other FormulationsFumigants Active as a poisonous gas,penetrates cracks, crevices,and stored commodities Highly toxic to all livingorganisms Very high risk of inhalationexposure Specialized protectionequipment; enclosed space

Pesticide Mixtures Tank mixing multiple products is legal unlessprohibited by the label Manufacturer only warranties their product alone orproduct mixtures listed on the label Manufacture notes known incompatibilities on label Incompatibility Heat, clumping, precipitate Inactivity of active ingredients Increased phytotoxicity Use Jar-Test to test for incompatibility Field incompatibility can still occur

Adjuvantspurchased additives to add to tank mixor added during formulation processSurfactants - groupOthers Wetting agents Spreaders Emulsifiers Stickers/ExtendersBuffersCompatibility agentsDefoaming agentsColorants/dyesSafenersThickeners

AdjuvantsHow to choose the right one? Read the pesticide label forrecommendations Some may prohibit use of an adjuvant Don’t use industrial products or householddetergents Test before you spend Remember, many pesticideproducts contain an adjuvant

CHAPTER 4Formulation Summary Active and inert ingredients Dry and liquid formulations Adjuvants Choose a pesticide formulation that willbest suit your pest problem and targetsite

CHAPTER 4Formulation Summary Choose a pesticide formulation that willbest suit your pest problem and target site Safety, ease of use Human exposure concerns Phytotoxicity; visible residues Application equipment considerations

CHAPTER 4Q1. Which of the following formulationstypically has the lowest rate of activeingredient?A.B.C.D.Dusts (D)Wettable Powders (WP)Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)Soluble Powder (SP)

CHAPTER 4Q2. Which type of nozzle wouldpose a concern when using solublepowder formulations?1.2.3.4.no nozzle type poses a concernbrass nozzlesaluminum nozzlesnylon nozzlesA. 1 onlyB. 2 and 3 onlyC. 2 and 4 onlyD. 3 and 4 only

CHAPTER 4Q3. Which of the following areconsidered surfactant-type adjuvants?1.2.3.4.spreadersbufferswetting agentscolorant dyesA. 1 and 2 onlyB. 1 and 3 onlyC. 2 and 3 onlyD. 3 and 4 only

CHAPTER 4Acknowledgements Washington State UniversityUrban IPM and Pesticide SafetyEducation Program authored thispresentation Illustrations were provided byNevada Dept. of Agriculture,University of Missouri-Lincoln,Virginia Tech., Washington Dept. ofAgriculture, Washington StateUniversity

CHAPTER 4Acknowledgements Presentation was reviewed by Beth Long,University of Tennessee; Ed Crow,Maryland Dept. of Agriculture; JeanneKasai, US EPA; and Susan Whitney King,University of Delaware Narration was provided by Drex Rhoades,Washington State University InformationDepartment

CHAPTER 4Support for this project was madepossible through EPA Office ofPesticide Program cooperativeagreements with the Council forAgricultural, Science and Technology,and the National Association of StateDepartments of Agriculture ResearchFoundation. The views expressedherein are those of the authors and donot necessarily represent the viewsand policies of the EPA.

Pesticide Formulations Chapter 4 National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual. CHAPTER 4 Pesticide Formulations This module will help you: Recognize formulation abbreviations Identify formulation a