# Agrochemical formulation types and farm pesticide uses

URL: https://leafwrit.com/uk/farm-pesticide-types/
Reviewed: 2026-10-29

**Herbicides control unwanted vegetation, fungicides control fungal plant diseases and insecticides control unwanted insects.** Choose the function after identifying the weed, disease or insect and the crop being protected.

Search by **product name, active substance, crop and field of use/action** in separate fields. Searching an ingredient can return several preparations with different MAPP numbers.

Use **pest- and disease-resistant varieties** as part of prevention where suitable for the crop.

**A pesticide's formulation describes how the product is prepared for handling and delivery.** EC, SC, SL, WP and WG identify different physical preparations. They describe a different property from the active substance, the target pest or the equipment used to apply it.

The [tank-mix guide](/uk/pesticide-tank-mix-checklist/) covers mixtures; the [HSE register guide](/uk/hse-gb-pesticides-approval-register/) covers product documents.

## Chemicals used in farming: common farm chemicals, dangerous pesticides used in agriculture and the brand of pesticides

The hazard of a chemical used in farming is not set by the class of pesticide or by its brand: the brand of a pesticide is the trade name of a product, and pesticides sprayed on crops, weed killer farmers use or a dangerous or harmful pesticide are each assessed through the label of the exact product. Herbicides, fungicides and insecticides differ by purpose, not by how hazardous they are: read the hazard symbols and precautions on the label of the exact product, and its safety data sheet (see the [SDS folder guide](/uk/pesticide-sds-folder/)).

Plant protection products combine active substances with other materials. Herbicide, fungicide and insecticide identify crop-protection purposes. A formulation code describes the manufactured preparation, while a product name identifies the commercial item.

Safeners reduce unwanted effects on plants; synergists enhance activity. Co-formulants form another part of the product composition.

## Agrochemical formulation types and international codes

| Code | Formulation | Physical distinction |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EC | Emulsifiable concentrate | Liquid forming an emulsion after water dilution |
| EW | Emulsion, oil in water | Organic droplets dispersed through a water phase |
| SC | Suspension concentrate | Active material suspended in a water-based fluid |
| SL | Soluble concentrate | Liquid producing an active-substance solution after dilution |
| WP | Wettable powder | Powder dispersed into a suspension |
| WG | Water dispersible granules | Granules disintegrating and dispersing in water |
| SG | Water soluble granule | Granules producing an active-substance solution |
| CS | Capsule suspension | Capsules suspended in a fluid |
| GR | Granule | Solid granules supplied ready for use |

Products sharing a code can still differ in constituents, concentration, packaging and performance.

A controlled-release pesticide can be a capsule suspension. Fendona CS is an alpha-cypermethrin insecticide in that formulation type, described as a controlled release insecticide with micro-mesh encapsulation that keeps the active ingredient in a protective cage. The words "controlled release" say how the active substance is held and given up, and the product is still handled by its label like any other.

## Distinguish dissolution, dispersion and emulsification

After dilution a preparation forms a solution (dissolved active substance), a suspension (solid material) or an emulsion (dispersed liquid droplets).

## Why other ingredients matter

Other ingredients can improve stability, spreading, adhesion, dissolution, foam control and uniform delivery. Their hazard depends on their properties and concentration.

## What UK formulation assessment considers

Physical and chemical properties and storage stability depend on formulation constituents and packaging.

## Keep concentration units attached to the value

Product composition is given in % w/w and as g/kg or g/L, depending on the physical state of the product. For liquids, the density used to calculate the % w/w values is also given.

For application arithmetic use the [tank-mix calculator](/uk/spray-tank-mix-calculator/).

## Formulation changes and replacement products

Significant and non-significant formulation changes follow different regulatory routes. For a replacement delivery, compare the full product name, formulation type, ingredient concentrations and MAPP reference with the ordered item.

## US formulation abbreviations

US formulation terminology includes DF, FL, G, RTU and WDG.

Seed-treatment codes also distinguish physical forms. DS identifies powder applied dry to seed; WS identifies powder dispersed in water for slurry treatment. FS identifies a stable suspension supplied for seed application directly or after dilution.

## Read the label information as separate questions

The label gives the trade name, MAPP number, active ingredients and concentrations alongside application and protection instructions.

Safety information is covered in the [SDS guide](/uk/pesticide-sds-folder/), delivery equipment in the [application-method guide](/uk/pesticide-application-methods/).

## Physical properties of a formulation

Physical properties of a liquid formulation include viscosity, surface tension, density, wettability, persistent foaming, suspensibility, dissolution and emulsion stability. For solids they include particle-size distribution, dust, attrition, flowability and pourability.

## Applying copper fungicide: copper based fungicide concentration is not a dose

**Cuprokylt contains 50% w/w copper as copper oxychloride.** Its multi-site activity forms a protective barrier on leaves and grapes against infection.

The declared copper concentration is not the application rate: the crop-specific maximum dose, number of applications and harvest interval come from the product's use documents.

## Match the formulation vocabulary to the supplied preparation

The formulation of a herbicide or insecticide describes its manufactured physical form. A description such as foliar insecticide or dicarboximide fungicide does not tell you whether the preparation is an EC, SC or other type, because liquid pesticides come in different formulations.

## Insecticide for farms: insecticides for agriculture and a crop-specific shortlist

To build an agricultural insecticide list for a named crop and target pest, use HSE's separate crop and field-of-use filters. Each product has its own MAPP reference and formulation.

For common fungicides used in agriculture, make the same distinction between function, active substance and supplied formulation. Mixtures are covered in the [mixing fungicides checklist](/uk/pesticide-tank-mix-checklist/).

## Next step

Use the [HSE register guide](/uk/hse-gb-pesticides-approval-register/) to match the preparation to its crop use, then see [tank-mix compatibility](/uk/pesticide-tank-mix-checklist/) and [application equipment](/uk/pesticide-application-methods/).