Which liquid pesticide formulation may approach 100 percent active ingredient?

• A. Ultra Low Volume
• B. Emulsifiable Concentrate
• C. Wettable Powder
• D. Granular

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how much diluent or carrier is kept with the active ingredient in a formulation. A liquid formulated to be ultra low volume is designed to deliver a tiny amount of liquid with a very high concentration of active ingredient. Because the spray volume is so small, these concentrates can be nearly all active ingredient, with only a minimal amount of solvent or carrier needed. That’s why this type may approach 100 percent active ingredient in the concentrate.

In contrast, other liquid formulations include noticeable amounts of diluent or additives: emulsifiable concentrates mix active ingredient with solvents and emulsifiers, and you dilute them with water before use; while wettable powders are solid materials dispersed in water, containing substantial inert carrier; and granules are solid, not liquids, used for soil or barrier applications. So the ultra low volume liquid stands out for its ability to be highly concentrated in active ingredient, approaching the full amount in the liquid portion.