QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

What should be the first ingredient added when mixing pesticides in a tank?

1. Liquid formulations

2. Wettable powders

3. Surfactors

4. Emulsifiable concentrates

The correct answer is: Wettable powders

The best practice for mixing pesticides involves a specific order to ensure that the ingredients combine effectively and to avoid clumping or improper mixing. Starting with wettable powders as the first ingredient is important because they typically require more water to dissolve properly. By adding wettable powders first, they have the opportunity to thoroughly disperse in the tank water before other ingredients are introduced. This approach helps to minimize the risk of sedimentation or clumping that can occur if liquid formulations or emulsifiable concentrates are added before the wettable powders are fully dissolved. By following this order of mixing, the end product maintains better homogeneity, ensuring that the pesticide will be effective when applied. Other substances, like emulsifiable concentrates and surfactants, when added first, may not allow the wettable powders to activate properly, leading to potential application problems. This is why it’s crucial to adhere to this mixing sequence for optimal results in pesticide application.