A New Formulation Method to Reduce Pesticide Application Rates

Application of agricultural pesticides is very inefficient; a large proportion of the chemical does not reach the intended insect, weed or disease target and enters the environment as non-point source pollution. This project tests a new way to formulate pesticides such that less chemical is wasted during the application process. As a consequence less chemical will need to be applied for a given level of efficacy so there will be less to enter the environment as pollution. A second consequence will be reduced production cost of the chemical.