If you’ve ever stood in the aisle scratching your head wondering which type to choose for your garden or crops, you’re not alone. These abbreviations actually tell you how the pesticide is formulated, and understanding them can help you pick the right product for your needs, ensure safer handling, and get the best results from your applications.
Let’s decode these terms so you can make informed, confident decisions for your garden or farm.
What Do Pesticide Formulation Codes Mean?
Why Formulation Type Matters
Common Pesticide Formulation Abbreviations Explained
Choosing the Right Formulation for Your Garden
Safety and Storage Tips
Where to Find Quality Garden Chemicals on the Gold Coast
The letters on pesticide labels indicate how the active ingredient is mixed, diluted, or prepared for use. The formulation affects everything from how easily the product mixes with water to how it behaves on plant surfaces and how safe it is to handle.
Understanding these codes helps you:
Apply pesticides more effectively
Reduce waste and environmental impact
Improve safety and handling practices
Different formulations work better for certain pests, environments, and application methods. For example, some products stick better to leaves, while others are safer for soil application or easier to mix in a spray tank. Choosing the correct formulation helps you get the best performance without damaging your plants or equipment.
SL stands for Soluble Liquid. These products dissolve completely in water to form a true solution. They’re easy to measure and mix, and they don’t require constant stirring.
Ideal for: Spray applications on foliage or soil where uniform coverage is important.
SC means Suspension Concentrate, also known as a Flowable. The active ingredient is finely ground and suspended in liquid. It doesn’t dissolve but stays evenly distributed when shaken.
Ideal for: Consistent spray coverage on leaves or soil.
Tip: Shake well before use to prevent settling.
EC stands for Emulsifiable Concentrate. These are liquid formulations containing the active ingredient dissolved in oil and mixed with emulsifiers so they disperse in water.
Ideal for: Pests that require strong penetration or adherence to plant surfaces.
Caution: ECs can be harsh on sensitive plants and may cause phytotoxicity.
WP means Wettable Powder. This type comes as a dry powder that you mix with water before spraying. It forms a suspension, not a solution.
Ideal for: Residual surface treatments and when you need high concentration with low risk of plant burn.
Tip: Constant agitation is needed during mixing and spraying.
WG (or WDG) stands for Water-Dispersible Granule. It’s similar to WP but in granular form, reducing dust and making it easier and safer to handle.
Ideal for: Users wanting less mess and better flowability when mixing.
Your choice depends on your application method, equipment, target pest, and environmental conditions. For example:
Use SL or SC for even foliar application.
Choose EC for tough pests or waxy leaves.
Opt for WP or WG if you want longer-lasting surface protection or safer handling.
Always read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, safety gear, and storage.
Store all pesticides in their original containers with labels intact.
Keep products away from heat and moisture.
Mix only the amount you need.
Dispose of empty containers according to local council guidelines.
At Garden Nursery Products, we stock a wide range of fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and other garden essentials to help you maintain a healthy, thriving garden. Whether you’re a home gardener or a professional grower, we offer expert advice and top-quality products to suit your needs. Visit us today on the Gold Coast or shop online.
