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.
Quick answer: what do the letters mean?
- WG = Water-Dispersible Granule (also written WDG)
- WP = Wettable Powder
- SC = Suspension Concentrate
- EC = Emulsifiable Concentrate
- SL = Soluble Liquid
- GR = Granule, ready to spread
The details for each one are explained below.
Table of Contents
What Do Pesticide Formulation Codes Mean?
Why Formulation Type Matters
Common Pesticide Formulation Abbreviations Explained
Reading the Numbers Before the Code
Choosing the Right Formulation for Your Garden
Safety and Storage Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Find Quality Garden Chemicals on the Gold Coast
What Do Pesticide Formulation Codes Mean?
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
Why Formulation Type Matters
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.
Common Pesticide Formulation Abbreviations Explained
SL – Soluble Liquid
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.
Browse: see our full range of herbicides.
SC – Suspension Concentrate
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.
Shop it: Spectrum 200SC Insecticide 1L — a suspension concentrate (SC) in our range.
EC – Emulsifiable Concentrate
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.
Shop it: Fortune 500 EC Insecticide 1L — an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) in our range.
WP – Wettable Powder
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.
Browse: see our full range of pest control products.
WG – Water-Dispersible Granule
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.
Browse: see our full range of lawn & turf care products.
GR – Granule
GR stands for Granule. These are ready-to-use granules that you spread dry, so there is no mixing and no spraying.
Ideal for: Lawns and garden beds where you want easy, low-mess application.
Shop it: Acelepryn 10kg Granules Insecticide for lawn grubs and caterpillars, or Fipronil Granular Insecticide 2.5kg for lawns, flowerbeds and vegetable gardens.
Reading the Numbers Before the Code
Many labels put a number in front of the letters. For liquid products the number is usually the amount of active ingredient in each litre (g/L), so 200SC is a 200 g/L suspension concentrate and 500 EC is a 500 g/L emulsifiable concentrate. Granules state the active ingredient per kilogram instead.
Examples from our range: Spectrum 200SC Insecticide contains 200 g/L imidacloprid, Fortune 500 EC Insecticide contains 500 g/L chlorpyrifos, and Fipronil Granular Insecticide contains 0.25 g/kg fipronil.
A bigger number does not automatically mean a better product. The active ingredient, the pest and the label rate all matter, so always follow the directions on the label.
Choosing the Right Formulation for Your Garden
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.
Safety and Storage Tips
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of WG in insecticide?
WG stands for Water-Dispersible Granule (also written WDG). It is a small dry granule that breaks up in water in the spray tank. It works like a wettable powder but creates less dust and is easier to measure and pour.
What is the full form of WP in insecticide?
WP stands for Wettable Powder. It is a dry powder that you mix with water to form a suspension, so the tank needs regular agitation while you spray.
What does SC mean in pesticide?
SC stands for Suspension Concentrate, also called a flowable. The active ingredient is finely ground and suspended in liquid rather than dissolved, so shake the container well before you use it.
What does EC mean in insecticide?
EC stands for Emulsifiable Concentrate. The active ingredient is dissolved in oil with emulsifiers so it mixes into a milky liquid with water. It can be harsher on sensitive plants, so check the label first.
What does SL mean on a pesticide label?
SL stands for Soluble Liquid. It dissolves completely in water to form a true solution, so it is easy to measure and mix and does not need constant stirring.
What is the difference between WP and WG?
Both are mixed with water before spraying and form a suspension. WP is a fine powder, while WG is a granule, so WG is less dusty and easier to handle.
Where to Find Quality Garden Chemicals on the Gold Coast
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.
Shop by category: Herbicides · Insecticides · Fungicides