Advantages of ethylene glycol diacetate as a potential solvent for herbicide formulations

Emulsifiable concentrates and oil suspensions are typical pesticide formulations. Many pesticides on the market use aromatic hydrocarbons as solvents. However, studies have revealed their potential risks to humans and the environment. Ethylene glycol diacetate (EGDA) is a low-toxicity and eco-friendly solvent with low utilization in pesticides. This study explores EGDA’s potential to replace xylene. Results indicate that EGDA formulations enhance droplet adhesion to leaves, boosting pesticide efficiency. They exhibit lower surface tension and contact angles, with a 24%–40% increase in leaf retention. Bioassays show that 15% cyhalofop-butyl EC and 10% nicosulfuron OF with EGDA offer weed control that is superior to xylene-based formulations by 9.1%–30.5% in greenhouses and 4.8%–6.7% in fields. Xylene preparations are 2–3 times more cytotoxic to human bronchial cells than EGDA-based ones. Thus, EGDA is a promising pesticide solvent, outperforming traditional aromatic solvents in environmental friendliness and reducing adverse effects.