MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which liquid pesticide formulation may approach 100% active ingredient?

1. Solution

2. ULV (Ultra Low Volume)

3. EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate)

4. Flowable

The correct answer is: ULV (Ultra Low Volume)

The correct answer, Ultra Low Volume (ULV), is significant because ULV formulations are designed to deliver a high concentration of active ingredient with minimal carrier volume. This means that a larger proportion of the liquid in ULV formulations consists of the active ingredient itself, sometimes approaching 100%, which allows for efficient application over extensive areas. This high potency is advantageous for situations requiring effective pest control with fewer resources. When you consider other formulations, they typically contain larger amounts of inert ingredients or carriers that dilute the active ingredient. For instance, emulsifiable concentrates and solutions often include solvents and emulsifiers that can significantly reduce the percentage of the active ingredient. Flowable formulations, while effective, typically contain solids suspended in the liquid carrier, further impacting the concentration of the active constituent. Therefore, ULV formulations stand out for their ability to maintain a high level of active ingredient in the application mix.