Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2019; 8(2): 686-693

E-ISSN: 2278-4136
P-ISSN: 2349-8234
JPP 2019; 8(2): 686-693 Role of pesticide formulations for sustainable crop
Received: 24-01-2019
Accepted: 26-02-2019 protection and environment management: A review
Dipak Kumar Hazra
AINP on Pesticide Residues, Dipak Kumar Hazra and Aloke Purkait
Department of Agricultural
Chemicals, Bidhan Chandra Abstract
Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, The role of pesticides in preventing crop losses, making available food at cheap rates and improvement in
Nadia, West Bengal, India
quality of food cannot be overemphasized. Development and identification of new pesticide molecules
has reached to almost a saturation point. This has brought the importance of pesticide formulations to the
Aloke Purkait
Department. of Soil Science and fore. The purpose of formulating pesticide active ingredients for crop protection is to uniformly spread a
Agricultural Chemistry, Palli small amount of an active chemical over a large area. The goal is to ensure safety in handling and during
Siksha Bhabana, Institute of application and to optimize pesticide efficacy. This requires that the pesticide formulation be chemically
Agriculture, Visva - Bharati, stable and physically uniform under all foreseeable storage conditions so that the minimum effective
Sriniketan, Birbhum, West amount can be accurately applied to target areas.
Bengal, India
Keywords: Pesticide formulations, formulation trends, conventional formulations, surfactants, adjuvants

1. Introduction
Importance of continued development in pesticide science is more in a country like India
which is predominantly agricultural with about 80% of the population depending upon
agriculture and living in rural areas. Indian population is expected to cross the 125 crore mark
by 2020 AD, with the corresponding requirement of food grains exceeding 220 million tones.
As against this, the availability of land per capita is expected to be 0.14 hectares. Under this
critical situation the role of pesticides in preventing crop losses, making available food at
cheap rates and improvement in quality of food cannot be overemphasized. Besides ensuring
the food supplies, pesticides have also to make as substantial contribution in increasing the
production of cash crops like cotton, tea, coffee, spices, tobacco etc., which in addition to
meeting the domestic requirement are so important for export earnings. Development and
identification of new molecules has reached to almost a saturation point. It has been estimated
that around 250 million dollars and 8-10 years are needed for the development and production
of a new molecule and to bring it into the market. This has brought the importance of pesticide
formulation to the fore.

2. Formulation
Pesticides are available in various “formulations”. A formulation is simply the form of a
specific product that offers for sale. Some insecticide formulations include dusts, gels,
granules, liquids, aerosols, wet table powders, concentrates, and pre-mixed solutions. Most of
the technical pesticides are formulated before use, by mixing active ingredients, with inert,
diluents, preservative, adjuvant, etc to obtain a product which is effective, easy to handle and
apply, possesses satisfactory shelf life, and is devoid of undesirable side effects.

2.1 Why should we formulate a pesticide?

Pesticide formulation is the process by which the pesticide is put into a form which can be
easily produced, stored, transported and applied by practical method in order to achieve safe,
convenient and effective method of pest control in an economical way. To convert it into a
product which can be stored, transported and applied by practical methods to achieve effective,
safe and economic use

2.2 Choice of the type of formulation

Correspondence The importance of formulation type is generally over looked. A well-considered decision to
Dipak Kumar Hazra use the most appropriate formulation for a given application requires detailed analysis of the
AINP on Pesticide Residues, following factors (Agrow Report 2001).
Department of Agricultural
1. Biologically effective
Chemicals, Bidhan Chandra
Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, 2. Manufacturing convenience
Nadia, West Bengal, India
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2.2.1 Formulation design inputs 2.2.3 Requirements of well-designed formulations

 Compound Inputs: Physical, Chemical & Biological  Should be biologically effective when used as
properties. recommended with no undesirable side effects.
 Application input: Pest, Plant, Equipment, Climatic, and  Presented in form where active ingredients give
Public Health. maximum biological effect at min. cost.
 Marketing Input: User friendly, Attractiveness, Safety,  Should be applicable by chosen means to provide
Durability, Economy. effective and reliable dispersion.
 Manufacturing Input: Production Equipment, QC  Large scale manufacture at acceptable cost.
facilities.  Should be safe during manufacture, packing, storage and
transportation.
2.2.2 Steps for development (formulation)  Should have adequate shelf life.
 Preliminary Studies– Lab preparation, Physical &  Should be acceptable to registration authorities and
Chemical tests consumer.
 Investigational Stage – Bio-efficacy, Phytotoxicity, Shelf
Life, Analytical Method Development, Small scale field 2.3 Types of formulations
trials, Toxicology Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council
 Commercial-Process of Formulation, Tank mix (CIPAC) propose 65 nos. of formulation types and their
compatibility, Packaging development coding system (Table 1).

Table 1: Catalogue of pesticide formulation types and international coding system

AE Aerosol dispenser MC Mosquito coil
AL Other liquids to applied undiluted ME Micro-emulsion
AP All other products to be applied undiluted MR Matrix Release
BR Briquette OD Oil dispersion
CB Bait concentrate OF Oil miscible flowable concentrate
CP Contact powder OL Oil miscible liquid
CS Capsule suspension OP Oil dispersible powder
DC Dispersible concentrate PA Paste
DP Dustable powder PR Plant rodlet
DS Powder for dry seed treatment RB Bait (ready for use)
DT Tablets for direct application SC Suspension concentrate (= flowable concentrate)
EC Emulsifiable concentrate SD Suspension concentrate for direct application
EG Emulsifiable granule SE Suspo-emulsion
EO Emulsion, water in oil SG Water soluble granule
EP Emulsifiable powder SL Soluble concentrate
ES Emulsion for seed treatment SO Spreading oil
EW Emulsion, oil in water SP Water soluble powder
FS Flowable concentrate for seed treatment ST Water soluble tablets
FU Smoke generator SU Ultralow volume (ULV) suspension
GA Gas TB Tablet
GD Gel for direct application TC Technical material
GE Gas generating product TK Technical concentrate
GL Emulsifiable gel UL Ultra-low volume (ULV) liquid
GR Granule VP Vapour releasing product
GS Grease WG Water dispersible granule
GW Water soluble gel WP Wettable powder
HN Hot fogging concentrate WS Water dispersible powder for slurry treatment
KK Combi-pack solid/liquid* WT Water dispersible tablets
KL Combi-pack liquid/liquid* XX Others
KN Cold fogging concentrate ZC A mixed formulation of CS en SC
LB Long-lasting storage bag ZE A mixed formulation of CS en SE
LN Long-lasting insecticidal net ZW A mixed formulation of CS en EW
LS Solution for seed treatment
* Special two-letter code for twin-packs

Pesticides in developing countries of Asia and Pacific region problems (Gupta 2004) [11]. With the increasing awareness of
are mainly available as dust, wettable powder, emulsifiable toxic effects of conventional formulations, there is a
concentrate, solution etc (Seaman, 1990) [27]. These types of significant trend towards switching over from such old
formulations are now known as ‘conventional’ or ‘old herbicide formulations using petroleum and organic solvent
technology’ or ‘classical’ or ‘traditional’ because of their based constituents to user and environment friendly smart and
increased dose or repeated applications to get desired bio- innovative herbicide formulations (Green et al., 2007) [10].
efficacy (Rüegg et al., 2007) [27]. More than 70% pesticides
flow into the environment and residue in plant products in 2.3.1 Conventional Formulation
process of application through old formulations. Inefficient Conventional pesticides are among the most popular chemical
use of pesticides causes a series of food safety and control agents because they are readily available, rapid acting,
environmental and highly reliable active ingredients other than biological
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pesticides and antimicrobial pesticides. Conventional active formulations are diluted with water and applied as a liquid
ingredients are generally produced synthetically, i.e., are spray. Upon dilution, a suspension is formed in the spray
synthetic chemicals that prevent, mitigate, destroy, or repel tank. Beside active ingredient wettable powders contain
any pest; or that act as a plant growth regulator, desiccant, wetting and dispersing agents as an inert- part of the
defoliant (EPA). A single application may control several formulation. These are chemicals, which help in wetting the
different pest species and usually forms a persistent residue powder and disperse the active ingredient throughout the
that continues to kill insects for hours or even days after spray tank. Wettable powders are the oldest and very common
application. Because of their convenience and effectiveness, type of formulations. They provide an ideal way to apply an
insecticides quickly became standard practice for pest control active ingredient in spray form of the constituents, which are
during the 1960's and 1970's. Conventional formulations insoluble in water. Wettable powders tend to pose a lower
includes Dustable Powder (DP), Emulsifiable concentrate dermal hazard in comparison to liquid formulations, and they
(EC), Wettable powder (WP), Soluble (liquid) concentrate do not burn vegetation as readily as many solvent based
(SL), Soluble powder (SP), etc. formulations. Eg. Thiophenate methyl 70% WP, Sulphur 80%
WP, Isoproturon 75% WP. There are some drawbacks of DP
2.3.1.1 Dustable Powder (DP) formulation as;
Dusts (D) are formulated as ready-to-use pesticides, with no  Hazardous dust clouds [while processing, packing and
dilution required. The active is either a crystalline solid application]
ground to 1-10 micrometers, or a liquid or waxy compound  Low bulk density
absorbed onto an inert mineral carrier. The concentration of  Poor wettability
active is typically less than 10% by weight, with a finely  Handling problems
ground mineral diluent making up the balance. Aerial
application of dusts was once commonly practiced, but this
has all but been abandoned due to inhalation hazards and the
tendency of dusts to drift into non-target areas. Today dusts
are used for small area treatment such as gardens, for seed
treatments and for the control of parasites on pets and
livestock.
Dusts are manufactured by the sorption of an active ingredient
onto a finely ground, solid inert such as talc, clay, or chalk.
They are relatively easy to use because no mixing is required Fig 2: Schematic diagram of Processing of WP formulation
and the application equipment (e.g., hand bellows and bulb
dusters) is lightweight and simple. Since these formulations 2.3.1.3 Soluble Powder (SP)
are not diluted with water before application in the field so the A soluble powder formulation (SP) is defined as a powder
particle size of these formulations are higher (approximately formulation to be applied as a true solution of the active
25 to 35µ) as compared to wettable powder formulations ingredient after dissolution in water, but which may contain
(approximately 5 to 10µ). Dusts can provide excellent insoluble inert ingredients. Normally, however, water-soluble
coverage, but the small particle size that allows for this fillers are used. Soluble powders are cheap and relatively easy
advantage also creates an inhalation and drift hazard. In to produce, contain no solvent and are tolerant to extremes of
general, dust formulations are no longer used in large-scale temperature. Application is usually straightforward since all
outdoor situations due to their high drift potential; however, formulation components, including active ingredient, are
dusts are still applied as spot treatments for insect and disease water-soluble, at least at spray tank dilutions. Consequently,
control outside. Commercial pest control operators use dusts unlike water-dispersible powders there is little risk of sludge
effectively in residential and institutional settings for control formation and blockages of line filters and spray nozzles.
of various insect pests. Indoors, this type of formulation However, as powders they suffer from similar dust problems
permits the delivery of an insecticide into cracks and crevices, to water-dispersible powders and are tending to be replaced
behind baseboards and cabinets, etc. Thus, the insecticide is by less hazardous formulations such as soluble granules (SG),
placed into the pest’s habitat and away from contact by people or else packed in water-soluble bags (Eg. Methomyl 40%SP,
and pets. Example: BHC 5% DP, Carbaryl 5% DP, Malathion Aureofungin 46.15%SP, Cartap Hydrochloride 50%SP)
5% DP. Drawbacks of DP formulation as;
 Bulky 2.3.1.4 Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)
 Hazardous dust clouds formed on application Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC) are blends of pesticide,
 Drift downwind emulsifiers and adjuvants dissolved in a volatile oil. Low
 Difficulty in handling melting point or liquid pesticide actives have traditionally
been formulated into EC’s. When the EC is added to water in
the spray tank, it forms a stable dilute emulsion. ECs are a
convenient means of using water as a vehicle for oil-soluble
pesticides. The emulsifying agents are long-chain chemicals
that orient themselves around the droplets of oil and bind the
oil-water surfaces together to prevent the oil and water from
separating. They are not abrasive to application equipment,
Fig 1: Schematic diagram of Processing of DP formulation nor do they plug screens and strainers. However, their oily
solvent base creates several hazards: ECs can be absorbed
2.3.1.2 Wettable powders (WP) through the skin, burn foliage, and attack the rubber and
Wettable powders are finely divided solids, made of mineral plastic parts of spray equipment. Eg. Cypermethrin 25% EC,
clays to which an active ingredient is mixed/ sorbed. These
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Hexaconazole 5% EC, Butachlor 50% EC. Few drawbacks of convenience in packaging and use, capable of high a.i. (50 –
EC formulations as; 90%), being non-dusty, free flowing granules which should
 Presence of solvent disperse quickly when added to water in the spray tank.
 Dermal toxicity Examples of WG; Sulphur 80% WG, Sulfosulfuron 75% WG,
 Inflammability Thiamethoxam 25% WG. Process of making, advantages and
 Non-biodegradable disadvantages of WDG represented in Table 2. There are
 VOC several advantages of WDG compared to WP formulations as;
 dust free
 ease of measuring and handling
 empties out completely from the container
 less chance of spillage

Whereas advantages of WDG compared to SC formulations

as;
Fig 3: Schematic diagram of Processing of EC formulation  better physico-chemical stability
 higher concentration
2.3.1.5 Soluble Liquid (SL)  easy pack disposal
Soluble liquids are usually water-based products that contain
a water soluble active ingredient. This is one of the Composition of WDG is as follows;
formulation types that actually contain dissolved molecules, Active ingredient 50 to 90%
not suspended particles. They mix easily in water and require Dispersing agents 5 to 15%
minimal agitation after dilution, though some actives are Wetting agents 1 to 3
dense enough to settle out over time. The process of making Binder 0 to 2%
same as EC formulation.
Eg. Ethephon 39% SL, Phosphamidon 40% SL, Kasugamycin
3% SL. Few drawbacks of SL formulations as; Table 2: Process of making, advantages and disadvantages of WDG
 Expensive to pack & transport Process Advantages Disadvantages
 Cannot contain high a.i. concentration Spray granulation
Good dispersibility Low density, medium
 Poor wetting & spreading [Spray / Fluid bed
Free flowing resistance to attrition
 Poor rainfastness granulator]
High density Good Poor spontaneity to
Extrusion
resistance to attrition dispersion
2.3.1.6 Newer Trends in Formulations Good dispersibility Poor resistance to
An extensive work is being carried out worldwide, for Pan granulation
Medium density attrition Dusty
developing new formulation technologies which would serve
the objectives of easier application, labour saving, improved 2.3.2.2 Suspension Concentrates [SC]
safety, reduced toxicity, minimization of environmental Suspension Concentrates [SC] or Aqueous flowables (AF) are
pollution, higher efficacy and reduced cost. The areas of concentrated 40% to 70% w/w suspensions of micronized
development include suspension concentrates, active pesticide in water. Prior to spraying on target areas,
microemulsions, granules, microgranules, water dispersible aqueous flowables are diluted with water in a spray tank to
granules, concentrated emulsions, controlled release, gels, achieve the minimum effective pesticide concentration. AFs
tablets etc. and mixed formulations like ZC, ZE, and ZW. must be formulated for low viscosity and good fluidity so that
 More effective transfer to the spray tank is easy and complete. This requires
 Safer an effective wetting agent and an efficient dispersing agent to
 Easier to handle ensure adequate dispersion of the pesticide in the water. Since
the active ingredients in AFs are insoluble, good suspension
2.3.1.7 Water Dispersible Granules [WDG] stability is essential. If the suspension settles and leaves
Water dispersible granules (WDG), or dry flowables (DF), are sediment at the bottom of the container, the application of the
wettable powders that have been aggregated into uniform pesticide may be too weak to be effective. Also, disposal of
granules of size 1-2mm for easier handling and to eliminate the residue in the container becomes a problem. A
respirable particles. They are dispersed in the spray tank and combination of smectite clay (aka bentonite) and xanthan gum
applied as dilute suspensions in the same way as wettable works synergistically to provide excellent long term
powders. WDGs incorporate the same ingredients as wettable suspension stability at low viscosity and at low cost.
powders, including dispersants and clay, although generally Developing a flowable is a balancing act between the need to
with a higher level of active and less diluent. The granules keep the viscosity high enough that particles do not sink
must be strong enough to resist crumbling into powder, yet rapidly, but low enough that the material pours out or pumps
still readily and completely disintegrate and disperse in the easily. Few Examples of SC formulations are Carbendazim
spray tank. This avoids nozzle clogging and ensures the finest 50% SC, Deltamethrin 2.5% SC, Isoproturon 50% SC.
particle size of the active ingredient for optimum efficacy. Concentrated suspension of finely divided pesticide in water
Several methods are used to form granules from the starting  Average particle size -  2 microns
powder blend. These include pan granulation, fluid bed  Concentration – 10 to 50%
granulation, spray drying, high speed mixer agglomeration The main advantages of SC formulations are;
and extrusion granulation. Extrusion granulation is generally
 Dust free
preferred on the basis of safety, versatility and economy.
 Handling ease
They are becoming more popular because of their
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 Low packing volume concentrated emulsion, the smectite clay is hydrated in the
 Excellent dilution properties water phase before the emulsion is formed. The xanthan gum
 No problem of toxicity or flammability due to solvents can be dissolved in the water either before or after
 Improved bio-efficacy emulsification. EWs can also be in the form of either micro or
 Finer particle size macro-emulsions. However, EW-formulations are
 Better adhesion uncommon, because few active substances are liquids or
possess the suitable solubility properties (Eg. Butachlor 50%
EW; Tetraconazole 3.8% EW, Pretilachlor 37% EW). The
main advantages of EW formulations are;
 Reduced dermal toxicity
 Less irritant to skin & eyes
 Less phytotoxic
 Not inflammable
 Environmentally safer

Fig 4: Schematic diagram of Processing of Processing of SC

formulations

2.3.2.3 Microencapsulated Suspensions [CS]

Microencapsulated pesticides are mixed with water and
sprayed in the same manner as other sprayable formulations.
After spraying, the capsule wall breaks down and slowly Fig 6: Schematic diagram of Processing of EW formulation
releases the herbicide. Microencapsulated materials have
several advantages like highly toxic materials are safer for 2.3.2.5 Microemulsions (ME)
applicators to mix and apply, delayed or slow release of the Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable water-based
herbicide prolongs its effectiveness, allowing for fewer and systems containing water-insoluble pesticides. In addition,
less precisely timed applications and herbicide volatilizes microemulsions are composed of extremely tiny particles
more slowly; less is lost from the application site. These are (similar to micelles) that can be as small as 0.01 micron. This
concentrated suspension / dispersion of pesticide makes the diluted product transparent because light scattering
microcapsules in water which can be diluted and sprayed. is reduced. It is commonly believed that microemulsions can
(E.g. Lambda cyhalothrin 2.43 % CS, 4.9%CS, Pendimethalin provide superior efficacy relative to macroemulsion formulas
38.7% CS). The main Advantages of CS formulations are; having the same level of activities. It is believed that the small
 Reduced mammalian toxicity size of the emulsion droplets may allow for better transport of
 Extended activity the herbicide through cell membranes thereby resulting in
 Reduced phytotoxicity enhanced efficacy. Microemulsions are considered to be
 Reduced evaporative losses infinitely stable, thereby providing improved stability over
 Reduced leaching traditional macroemulsion systems. Composition of
 Lower doses microemulsions as;
 Liquid pesticide or solution in solvent
 Emulsifier
 Co-surfactant
 Water

2.3.2.6 Oil Disperson (OD)

An oil dispersion (OD) formulation is a solid a.i. dispersed in
oil. The oil can vary from paraffinic to aromatic solvent types
and vegetable oils. Ideally the active ingredient is uniformly
suspended in the oil phase. Water free formulation (the a.i.
Fig 5: Schematic diagram of Processing of CS formulation which are very sensitive in water useful in this formulation),
Can suffer from more sedimentation compared to water based
2.3.2.4 Concentrated emulsions (EW) systems. (Eg. Beta cyfluthrin 8.49% + Imidacloprid 19.81%
Concentrated emulsions (EW) contain up to 50% w/w of oil- OD; Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD)
soluble pesticide. EWs minimize the disadvantages of
emulsifiable concentrates by minimizing the level of solvent 2.3.2.7 Concentrated Aqueous Emulsion (EW)
needed to dissolve the pesticide, and then emulsifying this They can be considered as a safer and more environmentally
solution in water. With an EW, the emulsion has already been friendly alternative to EC. In an EW the continuous phase is
established in the sold product, and is only diluted in the spray water which offers the benefit of lower phytotoxicity, no
mixture (Gasic et al., 2006). Because they are water based, flashpoint concern, ease of handling, and a lower
oil-in-water emulsions can have significant advantages over environmental impact. EW formulations are physically
emulsifiable concentrates in terms of cost and safety in stabilised by polymeric surfactants incorporated at an
manufacture, transportation and use (Zhang 2004) [33]. The appropriate level. The emulsion has already been established
combination of smectite clay and xanthan gum stabilizes the in the formulation and is only diluted further in the spray
concentrated emulsion against separation in the same way that mixture. Examples of EW formulation; Carfentrazone ethyl
it stabilizes concentrated AF suspensions. To prepare the
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0.43% + Glyphosate 30.82% EW, Butachlor 50% EW, measure, dust free, non-flammable and offer good miscibility
Cyfluthrin 5% EW. with water. One or more of the active ingredients is
encapsulated for various purposes, such as to increase the
2.3.2.8 Aqueous Suspo-emulsion (SE) residual biological activity, or to reduce the acute toxicity, or
Dual character heterogeneous formulations, combination of to obtain a physical or chemically stable water-based
suspension concentrate (SC) and concentrated aqueous formulation. The purpose determines whether the “free”
emulsion (EW) consisting of a stable dispersion of active active ingredient and the “release rate” are relevant properties
constituent(s) in the form of solid particles and fine globules of a specific product.
in a continuous. Two active ingredients with very different
physical properties are existing into one formulation. The 3. Use of Adjuvants
advantages are that it is possible to formulate multiple active An adjuvant is an additive (usually in relatively low amounts
ingredients together, broadening the spectrum of activity and compared to the carrier) which are added to make the
eliminating the disadvantage of tank-mix incompatibility. formulations more effective, that improves or enhances
Examples of SE formulation; Carbendazim 25% + Flusilazole application, performance, safety, storage, or handling of an
12.5% SE, Fenobucarb 20% +Buprofezin 5% SE, active ingredient. Adjuvants include materials such as;
Propiconazole 10.7% + Tricyclazole 34.2% SE. binders, stickers, stabilizers, antifreeze, antifoam, etc. These
additives are commonly categorized as utility or activator
2.3.2.9 Multi-character liquid formulations: Mixed adjuvants. Activators can be thought of as products that
formulations improve herbicide performance after the spray has contacted
A. ZC formulation the leaf surface. Utility adjuvants improve your ability to get
ZC is a mixed formulation of Capsule Suspension (CS) and the herbicide to the leaf surface. Activator adjuvant products
Suspension Concentrate (CS) and is a stable aqueous perform several functions - they serve as wetting agents (or
suspension of microcapsules and solid fine particles, each of spreaders), stickers, humectants and penetrants. A wetting
which contains one or more active ingredients. The agent reduces the surface tension of water, so that a droplet
formulation is intended for dilution into water prior to spray beads less, lays flatter on the leaf surface, and covers more
application. Formulating the active ingredients together leaf surface area. A sticking agent helps the herbicide
eliminates the need for tank mixing, which can lead to ingredients, particularly dry ingredients that were suspended
incompatibility, and facilitates control of a wider range of in water, stay on the leaf surface after the water has
pests with fewer applications. Like other aqueous liquid evaporated. The sticking agent remains as a thin film holding
formulations, ZC formulations are easy to handle and the herbicide in place so that it can be absorbed, and prevent
measure, dust free, non-flammable and offer good miscibility wash-off. A humectant retains moisture, or absorbs water
with water. The advantage of ZC formulations is to formulate vapor from the air to prevent reduce net evaporation. Keeping
multiple active ingredients together to deliver two the deposited herbicide surrounded by moisture as long as
complementary modes of action for broad-spectrum control of possible prevents the herbicide from crystallizing on the leaf
key insects. Example of ZC formulation; thiamethoxam surface and increases absorption of the herbicide into the leaf.
12.60% + lambda-cyhalothrin 9.48% ZC. An oil-soluble penetrating agent increases the movement of
the herbicide into and eventually through the cuticle so that
B. ZE formulation the herbicide can absorbed into the outer layer of cells. Drift
ZE is a mixed formulation of Capsule suspension (CS) and inhibitors or thickeners are used to control drift. These may be
Suspo-emulsion (SE) and is a stable aqueous dispersion of powders, granules, or liquids that cause the spray solution to
microcapsules, solid fine particles and emulsion droplets, be more cohesive; less subject to wind shear as it leaves the
each of which contains one or more active ingredients. The nozzles so as to reduce the amount of very small spray
formulation is intended for dilution into water prior to spray droplets.
application. Formulating the active ingredients together
eliminates the need for tank mixing, which can lead to 4. Pesticide formulations in a nut shell
incompatibility, and facilitates control of a wider range of A. Dry formulations
pests with fewer applications. Like other aqueous liquid B. Liquid formulations
formulations, ZE formulations are easy to handle and C. Household formulations
measure, dust free, non-flammable and offer good miscibility A. Dry formulations
with water. Individual formulate and after that mixed them 1. For direct use
Capsule suspension and Suspo-emulsion. By this procedure 2. For Dissolution
one can use three a.i. (one in capsule) and one in suspension 3. For dispersions
concentrate and third one in emulsion in a single formulation. 1. Dry formulations for direct use
 Dustable powders (DP)
C. ZW formulation  Powders for dry seed treatment (DS)
ZW is a mixed formulation of Capsule suspension (CS) and  Granules (GR)
Concentrated aqueous emulsion (EW) and is a stable aqueous  Tablets for direct application (DT)
dispersion of microcapsules and emulsion droplets, each of 2. Dry formulations applied after dissolution
which contains one or more active ingredients. The  Water soluble powders (SP)
formulation is intended for dilution into water prior to spray  Water soluble powders for seed treatment (SS)
application. Formulating the active ingredients together
 Water soluble granules (SG)
eliminates the need for tank mixing, which can lead to
 Water soluble tablets (ST)
incompatibility, and facilitates control of a wider range of
3. Dry formulations applied as dispersions
pests with fewer applications. Like other aqueous liquid
 Wettable powders (WP)
formulations, ZW formulations are easy to handle and
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 Water dispersible powders for slurry seed treatment application for the pesticides already in existence may be
(WS) comparable to the development of new pesticides. The cost
 Water dispersible granules (WG) and time required for the development of new formulations
 Water dispersible tablets (WT) may be even less than that required for the development of
B. Liquid formulations new pesticides. Current resources are directed toward the
1. Simple solutions development of safer pesticides, for the worker and for the
2. Solutions for dispersions environment, as well as toward more efficient application and
3. Emulsions formulation technologies. In the context of the steadily
4. Suspensions increasing demands of modern weed management, new,
1. Liquid formulations applied as simple solutions optimized variations on existing formulation types–and of
 Soluble concentrates (SL) course new concepts–will always be required. Formulation
 Solutions for seed treatment (LS) technology is an interdisciplinary scientific undertaking, with
 Oil miscible liquids (OL) special relationships to the disciplines of colloid chemistry
 Ultra low volume liquids (UL) and interfacial physics, in which technical chemistry plays an
essential role.
2. Solutions applied as emulsions
• Emulsifiable concentrates (EC)
8. References
3. Liquid formulations - Emulsions
1. Anonymous. Manual on Development and Use of FAO
 Emulsions, oil in water (EW)
and WHO specification for Herbicides (Second Revision
 Emulsions for seed treatment (ES)
of the First Edition). Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture
 Micro-emulsions (ME) Organization (FAO), 2010.
4. Liquid formulations - Suspensions 2. Bahadur S, Verma S, Prasad SK, Madane AJ, Maurya
 Aqueous suspension concentrates (SC) SP. Eco-friendly weed management for sustainable crop
 Suspension concentrates for seed treatment (FS) production-A review. J Crop and Weed. 2015; 11:181-89.
 Oil-based suspension concentrates (OD) 3. Beestman GB. Controlled release in crop protection: past
 Aqueous capsule suspensions (CS) experience and future potential. In. Chemistry of Crop
5. Dual character formulations Protection, Progress and Prospects in Science and
 aqueous suspo-emulsions (SE)-mixed formulations Regulation (Eds. Voss, G. and Ramos, G.) Wiley-VCH
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