Pesticide Formulations and Adjuvants Flashcards

Which formulation type is most appropriate when applying a pesticide to a dusty, dry surface where water is scarce?

Answer: Dust (D)

Dust formulations require no water and can be applied directly to dry surfaces without mixing.

What is the primary purpose of a sticker adjuvant?

Answer: To improve adhesion of the pesticide to the target surface

Stickers (or adherents) improve the adhesion of pesticide deposits to plant surfaces, reducing washoff from rain or irrigation.

Granular (G) formulations are preferred for soil applications primarily because they:

Answer: Minimize drift and allow precise placement in soil

Granular formulations are heavy particles that resist drift and can be placed accurately in or on soil.

A microencapsulated (ME) pesticide formulation releases the active ingredient slowly because:

Answer: The active ingredient is coated in a polymer shell that degrades over time

Microencapsulation surrounds the active ingredient in tiny polymer capsules that slowly degrade, providing controlled release.

Which statement best describes an oil-in-water emulsion in a pesticide spray tank?

Answer: Oil droplets are dispersed throughout a water carrier

In an oil-in-water emulsion, small oil droplets containing the active ingredient are dispersed in a water carrier with the help of an emulsifier.

What role does a compatibility agent play when mixing two pesticides in the same tank?

Answer: It prevents physical or chemical incompatibilities that could cause separation or loss of efficacy

Compatibility agents help prevent separation, layering, or chemical reactions that occur when mixing certain pesticide formulations.

Soluble powder (SP) formulations differ from wettable powders (WP) in that soluble powders:

Answer: Dissolve completely in water to form a true solution

Soluble powders dissolve completely in water, forming a true solution, whereas wettable powders only disperse as particles that require agitation.