Part 2, Section 1: Pest Management

Table of Contents

Pest Management

Pesticides and Their Application

Pesticide formulations

Pesticides are not sold as pure chemicals but as mixtures or formulations of one or more active ingredients with various additives. Surfactants (emulsifiers, wetting agents, etc.) or various diluents may be used to change the activity of a pure herbicide to the user's advantage. The type of formulation determines toxicity to plants, uniformity of plant coverage, and stability in storage. Pesticides are formulated to permit uniformity and ease of application as liquid sprays or dry granules.