Newbie questions 2 & 3

[xtreem3d]

evening guys,
my test is thursday and am not understanding formulations completely, specifically,..wettable powders,emulcified concentrates,& flowables.can you maybe explain the differences in simple terms and giva an example of what it would be or do? i guess i don't see a difference in a powder that can't be dissolved like WP or flowables...they would seem to be the same? and i can't picture why any herbicide .wouldn't be able to dissolve in order to spray it. i am picturing sandblasting chemical through the sprayer
#3..a penetrant is an adjuvant..so why wouldn't you mix it with everything (legally possible) to get the max benefit of the application. just cost prohibitive?
TIA,
steve

[RigglePLC]

Adjuvants are used for special crop situations--such as a crop or weed or insect that was waxy or hairy and hard to wet. In some equipment foaming could be a problem, plus cost.

Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) is a liquid that appears to dissolve in water, (but does not form a true solution) mild agitation is sufficient.

Wettable powder is a dry formulation that is added to water--it forms a milky mix like muddy water. More agitation is needed, or it will settle.
A flowable is like a wettable powder that has been made into a thick liquid to make it easier to measure. Needs good agititation.

Good luck on Thursday Extreme. Sounds like you understand it pretty well.

[foreplease]

I agree with Riggle, it does sound like you understand it pretty well. Re your # 3 a penetrant is an adjuvant..so why wouldn't you mix it with everything (legally possible) to get the max benefit of the application. just cost prohibitive?, they may be interested in having you know some surfactants work better with contact pesticides (anionic), while others work better for systemic pesticides (nonionic).

Surfactants are one type of adjuvant – that and stickers are the types we encounter most often in turf – but the test will probably expect you to know what other uses adjuvants have. See your CORE manual: extenders, drift control, thickeners, etc.

In addition to having differing modes of action, the different formulations often have something to do with the type of PPE required and first aid necessary if you have a problem.

You’ll do fine if after passing the test you:

know what your equipment puts out
never stop learning
know what the label says
operate conscientiously and keep good records
never think “it” can’t happen to you


Good luck!