Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)

These preparations are usually solutions containing a high concentration of the pesticide. Most of them are designed to be mixed with water or oil and contain wetting agents, stickers, and other additives. They may contain as much as eight or more pounds of a pesticide per gallon of concentrate.
Advantages. These formulations contain a high concentration of pesticide, so the price per pound of active ingredient is rather low. Only moderate agitation is required in the tank, so they are especially suitable for low -pressure, low-volume weed sprayers, mist blowers, and small home ground sprayers. They are not abrasive and do not settle out when the sprayer is not running. There is little visible residue, which generally allows their use in populated areas. Because of the high pesticide content, the applicator is not required to store, transport, or handle a large bulk of chemical for a particular job.
Disadvantages. It is easy to underdose or overdose because of the high concentration of pesticide, if directions for mixing are not carefully followed. Mixtures of emulsifiable concentrates may be phytotoxic. Also, because of the high concentration and liquid form, which is usually easily absorbed through the skin, there may be hazard to the applicator. The hazard of improperly stored concentrates can also be high. Because of their solvents, most liquid concentrates cause rubber hoses, gaskets, and pump parts to deteriorate rapidly unless they are made of neoprene rubber. Some formulations cause pitting in car finishes.
Principal Uses. High concentrate liquids can be diluted and used in many ways on fruit, vegetables, shade trees, for residual sprays on farm animals, for structural pests. They are adaptable to many types of application equipment ranging from household sprayers to dilute hydraulic sprayers, low-volume ground sprayers, mist blowers, low volume agricultural aircraft sprayers, and ultra-low volume sprayers (usually on aircraft).