The drug delivery myth has crept into agrochemical R&D — promising precision, smart targeting, and breakthrough efficacy. But crop protection doesn’t happen in a bloodstream.
In this article, I explain why the future of formulation doesn’t lie in borrowed metaphors, but in real agrochemical science — grounded in field performance, biological compatibility, and formulation know-how.
✔ What actually enhances biological efficacy in the field?
✔ What’s the role of surfactants, co-formulants, and adjuvants?
✔ How can R&D move forward with innovation that truly fits?
Let’s bring the focus back to where it belongs: the field, the formulation, and results that matter.

Stereoisomerism significantly influences the biological activity, environmental behavior, and toxicity of pesticide molecules. Approximately a quarter of registered pesticides are chiral, containing one or more chiral centers and existing as enantiomers with differing biological properties—one often highly effective, the other less active or even harmful. Despite this, most commercial pesticides remain racemic mixtures, leading to inefficiencies and ecological concerns. This article explains key stereochemistry concepts in pesticide chemistry, detailing geometric and optical isomers and illustrating their impact through examples. Emphasizing the need for enantioselective formulations, it highlights how optimizing pesticide composition can enhance efficacy while reducing environmental risks and non-target toxicity.

This article explores the intriguing phenomenon of color instability in certain pesticide molecules, closely linked to their unique molecular structures, which exhibit characteristics like organic dyes, resulting in similar color dynamics. The key findings were presented at the 5th Ag Formulation & Application Technology Congress (FAT 2024), held on November 26–27 in Hangzhou, China.

The non-crop pesticide sector encompasses a broad range of pest control solutions applied beyond conventional farming environments. This field plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, preserving structural integrity, protecting materials, and managing environmental concerns. With rapid urbanization, increasing public health threats, and a growing emphasis on sustainable formulations, the industry is poised for significant expansion. Valued at USD 25.5 billion in 2023, it is projected to reach USD 34.2 billion by 2028, maintaining a steady CAGR of 5.9%. This review provides an in-depth examination of industry segmentation, key drivers and constraints, regulatory landscapes, and the major trends shaping its evolution in the coming years.

Drawing from firsthand experience with the rescue forces at the Chernobyl nuclear plant, the author provides his personal perspective on the current state of deactivation materials and methods. The review highlights the urgent need for advancements in deactivation technology and a comprehensive overhaul of the nuclear safety framework.

The global surfactant market features diverse chemistries, from low molecular weight to polymer-based surfactants. This review explores the surfactant market landscape, examining their applications across various industries and highlighting traditional and emerging chemistries.

This review covers the role of adjuvants in the agrochemical industry, focusing on their functions, physicochemical mechanisms of action, and regulatory aspects. It also discusses the structures and properties of key adjuvants, as well as the shift toward sustainable solutions in global market trends.

The article describes the basic concepts, terms, and general information about the plant protection products and fertilizers used in the world.

The article outlines a systematic approach to address both quality and production problems in crop protection formulations. This approach includes prioritizing the issues, defining the problems, specifying the formulation, creating an investigation plan, conducting research and discussions, and implementing improvement actions.

This article is focused on the co-formulants used in Plant Protection Product (PPP) formulations, that are currently prohibited and others that face potential limitations or bans. It emphasizes the importance of consulting reliable sources to access up-to-date information, as pesticide regulations are subject to change based on emerging scientific evidence.

Polymeric dispersing agents are widely used in plant protection products. This article provides brief information about the major types of polymeric dispersants.

The article is devoted to two aprotic solvents widely used in plant protection preparations, despite severe regulatory limitations for both.

The use of nano-sized particles in pesticide formulations has gained significant attention due to their unique properties and potential benefits. However, the regulatory requirements surrounding nano pesticides pose challenges for their widespread adoption. This article explores the ability to achieve the advantages of nanotechnology in pest control through common conventional formulations.

Aerial drone spraying has emerged as a cutting-edge and highly effective technique for pest control, providing accurate targeting, accessibility to hard-to-reach areas, and reduced human exposure to chemicals. The author explores the key factors that make ULV formulations suitable for aerial drone spraying and shares his expertise in selecting Low VOC solvents, which is crucial for successful UAV application.

Oil dispersible pesticide formulations are a potent and versatile category of pesticides that offer unique advantages over conventional pesticide solutions. This article focuses on the peculiarities and complexities of OD manufacturing technology.

In recent years, the deliberate incorporation of microplastics into agrochemical products has emerged as a significant concern, posing a major threat to the future fate of CRF, CS pesticides, and Seed Coating Formulations. This pressing issue demands urgent attention, but it also presents an opportunity for finding viable solutions.

This article focuses on achieving a precise and controlled narrow monomodal particle size distribution in the SC wet milling process. The author discusses key factors that contribute to control optimal target PSD, enhancing product performance and stability.

The article highlights the impact of the mechanochemical stress phenomenon occurring during the air jet milling on the final physicochemical properties of WG pesticide formulations.

This review aims to explore the diverse facets of pesticide A.I.s incompatibility, providing real-world examples of incompatible combinations and clarifying the underlying chemical interactions that govern such phenomena. By gaining a thorough understanding of these complexities, we can pave the way for the development of more effective and environmentally responsible pesticide formulations.