1 Description

The material shall consist of granules containing technical spinosad, complying with the requirements of the WHO specification 636/TC (February 2007), together with suitable carriers and any other necessary formulants. The granules shall be free from visible extraneous matter and hard lumps, free-flowing, essentially non-dusty and intended for application by machine.

2 Active ingredient

2.1 Identity tests (636/GR/M/2, CIPAC Handbook L, p.121, 2006) The active ingredient shall comply with an identity test and, where the identity remains in doubt, shall comply with at least one additional test.

2.2 Spinosad content (636/GR/M/3, CIPAC Handbook L, p.121, 2006) The spinosad (spinosyn A + spinosyn D) content shall be declared (g/kg) and, when determined, the average measured content shall not differ from that declared by more than the following tolerances:

Declared content, g/kg Tolerance up to 25

Note: the upper limit is included in the range ± 10% of the declared content

3 Physical properties

3.1 Pour and tap density (MT 186, CIPAC Handbook K, p.151, 2003) Pour density: 0.47 to 0.61 g/ml. Tap density: 0.52 to 0.66 g/ml.

3.2 Nominal size range (MT 58, CIPAC Handbook F, p.173, 1995) (Note 1) Not less than 850 g/kg of the formulation shall be within the size range 1100 to 1600 Nm.

3.3 Dustiness (MT 171, CIPAC Handbook F, p.425, 1995)

Essentially non-dusty (Note 2).

3.4 Attrition resistance (MT178, CIPAC Handbook H, p.304, 1998)

Minimum: 98% attrition resistance.

4 Storage stability

4.1 Stability at elevated temperature (MT 46.3, CIPAC Handbook J, p.128, 2000) After storage at 54 ± 2°C for 14 days, the determined average active ingredient content must not be lower than 95% relative to the determined average content found before storage (Note 3) and the formulation shallcontinue to comply with the clauses for:

– nominal size range (3.2),

– dustiness (3.3),

– attrition resistance (3.4).

Note 1 Higher ratios increase the risk of segregation and adverse effects on the flow rate. Thisshould be checked with the machine to be used. The purchaser should check that the

nominal size range is suitable for his requirements, since different size ranges may affect

biological activity.

Note 2 The optical method, MT 171, usually shows good correlation with the gravimetric method and can, therefore, be used as an alternative where the equipment is available. Where the correlation is in doubt, it must be checked with the formulation to be tested. In case of dispute the gravimetric method shall be used.

Note 3 Samples of the formulation taken before and after the storage stability test should be analyzed together after the test in order to reduce the analytical error.