Temperature Effects on Storage of Agricultural Pesticides

Fred Fishel
Department of Agronomy

The normal temperature range recommended for storing liquid pesticides is usually 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some pesticide labels state the specific temperature range for maintaining optimal storage shelf life. Temperature extremes in the pesticide storage facility can potentially pose several problems.

Temperature extremes in storage can reduce the effectiveness of pesticides. Freezing of liquid pesticides can result in separation of the active ingredients from the solvents or emulsifiers, or inactivation of emulsifiers, which may lead to crystallization or coagulation of the pesticide. The freezing point of many pesticides is lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit due to the hydrocarbon solvents or inert ingredients. Some pesticides may be thawed after being frozen, the container rolled, shaken or otherwise agitated to resuspend the contents. Call the manufacturer for advice on reusing specific pesticides if frozen. Excessive heat can cause some pesticides to volatilize and drift away from the storage site. Additionally, some pesticides are flammable.

Temperature extremes can also damage the integrity of the pesticide container. Freezing temperatures can cause glass, metal and plastic containers to break. High temperatures can cause plastic containers to melt and some glass containers to explode.

As a rule, wettable powders and granules are not affected by low temperatures. Moisture is the greatest factor affecting their storage, as it can cause caking that may reduce the effectiveness of the pesticide. Products formulated in water-soluble packets have a high affinity for moisture and become brittle when frozen. If handled when brittle, bags may break open; these products should be stored in a warm, dry area.

Before storing pesticides, the applicator needs to read the "storage and disposal" section of the pesticide label. Many pesticide labels provide specific storage information. The following precautions should be used in the storage of all pesticides:

  • Do not store near heat, sparks or open flame.
  • Do not contaminate other pesticides, fertilizer, water, food or feed by storage.
  • Keep containers tightly closed and dry in a cool, locked, well-ventilated place that is out of the reach of children.
  • Store products in original containers only.
  • If storage information cannot be found on the label, contact the manufacturer of the pesticide. The purpose of this guide is to provide specific storage information, including temperature requirements if relevant, for many of the commonly used agricultural pesticides. The following information was taken from the "storage and disposal" section of the respective pesticide labels.

Storage temperature guidelines

Fungicides and seed protectants
ProductComments
AS-50Storage should be at a cool temperature with minimum exposure to the atmosphere.
Agri-mycin 17Storage should be at a cool temperature with minimum exposure to the atmosphere.
Aliette/Maneb 2+2If allowed to become wet the product will deteriorate and represent a fire hazard. Keep away from sources of ignition (e.g., sparks or open flame).
BenlateDo not allow to become wet.
Benlate SPDo not allow to become wet.
Bravo (all products)Protect from excessive heat.
Captan 50-WPProtect from excessive heat.
Captec 4LProtect from excessive heat. Protect from temperatures below 0F.
Dithane DF and M-45Do not allow to become wet or overheated.
Dithane F-45 and STDo not store below 32F. Do not allow to become overheated.
Dithane WSPDo not store below 32F. Do not allow to become wet or overheated.
EnableDo not store below 32F.
KickStartDo not allow to freeze or become overheated.
KumulusDo not store above 104F.
Maneb 75DF and 80WPDo not allow to become wet or overheated.
Manex IIDo not store below 32F.
Mertect LSPRepeated freezing and thawing should be avoided.
Nova 40WWater-soluble pouch may become brittle at storage temperatures below 32F; but the fungicide is not affected.
Nu-Cop 3LDo not store below 32F.
Penncozeb 75DF and 80WPDo not allow to become wet.
Rubigan E.C.Avoid freezing.
System3Do not store in direct sunlight. Protect from extreme temperatures.
Terraclor Granular and WP formulationsStore in a dry location.
Terraclor EmulsifiableProtect from temperatures below 20F.
Terranil SProtect from excessive heat. Frozen product generally can be restored after thawing and thorough mixing.
TrilogyDo not store below 40F.
Vitavax M DCProtect from excessive heat.
Herbicides
ProductComments
Accent GoldDo not store above 122F for extended periods of time.
AccordStore above 10F to keep product from crystallizing.
Alanap-LStore between 60 and 80F. This product should not be stored below 60F, or it may crystallize or precipitate.
Amine 4 2,4-DDo not store below 25F.
Aquathol KStorage at temperatures below 32F may result in the product freezing or crystallizing.
Arsenal (all formulations)Do not store below 10F.
AssertKeep from freezing. Do not store below 40F.
AsuloxStore above 20F.
Balan DFDo not store in direct sunlight. Do not store above 120F.
Balance WDGDo not store under wet conditions.
Barrage HFDo not store below 0F.
BasagranDo not allow product to freeze.
BeaconDo not store under wet conditions.
BlazerDo not store below 32F.
Broadstrike + TreflanAvoid freezing. Store above 40F.
BronateStore at temperatures above 3F.
Buctril (all formulations)Store at temperatures above 3F.
BulletStore above -4F to keep product from freezing.
ChopperDo not store below 10F.
Command 3MEStore above -4F to keep product from freezing.
Command 4ECDo not freeze. Do not store below 40F.
Conclude UltraDo not store below 32F or above 100F.
Conclude Xtra BKeep from freezing. Do not store diluted spray. Store above 32F.
Conclude Xtra GKeep from freezing. Store above 32F.
ContourKeep from freezing. Do not store below 32F.
CrossbowStore above 10F or agitate before use.
Curbit ECAvoid freezing. Store above 40F.
CurtailStore above 40F or warm and agitate before use.
Curtail MStore above 10F or warm and agitate before use.
Cyclone (both formulations)Store at temperatures above 32F.
Ded-Weed SULVKeep from freezing. Do not store near other herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, or near seeds.
DetailDo not store below 32F. Keep from freezing.
DiquatStore at temperatures above 32F.
DoublePlayCan be stored at temperatures as low as -25F.
Dual: Magnum, II Magnum, and II Magnum SIMay be stored at temperatures down to -30F.
Eptam 7-ECan be stored at temperatures as low as -50F.
Eradicane 25-G and 6.7-ECan be stored at temperatures as low as -50F.
Exceed (Custom-Pak)Do not store under wet conditions.
Facet 75 DFDo not store under wet conditions. Handle carefully when stored at temperatures of less than 50F to avoid breaking bags.
Facet GRDo not store under wet conditions.
Field MasterDo not store this product or spray solutions of this product in galvanized steel or unlined steel containers or spray tanks.
FlexstarStore above 45F.
FreedomStore above 32F to keep product in solution.
FrontierHeated storage is required in bulk systems and recommended in mini-bulk systems and not required for 2 x 2.5 gallon package size.
FultimeCan be stored at temperatures as low as -30F.
GalaxyKeep from freezing. Store above 40F.
Goal 2XLKeep from freezing. Store above 32F.
Gramoxone ExtraStore at temperatures above 32F.
Grandstand RStore above 28F or agitate before use.
Hoelon 3ECDo not store below 20F.
HornetDo not store above 122F for extended periods of time.
Kerb 50-WStore in a cool, dry place but not below 32F.
Laddok S-12Do not store below 10F or above 100F.
LandmasterStore above 40F to keep product in solution.
LariatStore above 40F.
Lasso 4ECStore above 32F to keep product in solution.
Lasso II GranulesBelow 32F this product can cake.
LibertyStorage temperature should be 32-85F, with a maximum of 125F. Protect against direct sunlight.
Low Vol 4Do not store below 0F.
Manifest (B and G formulations)Keep from freezing. Store above 40F.
Micro-TechStore above -4F to keep product from freezing.
Moxy 2EStore at temperatures above 3F. If allowed to freeze, remix before using.
NorthStarDo not store under wet conditions.
Opti-AmineProtect from freezing. If stored below 32F and crystals form, warm to 72F for 24 hours.
Option IIDo not store over 100F or below 10F.
Partner WDGDo not subject to freezing. Product can be stored under either heated or unheated conditions.
PeakDo not store under wet conditions.
Pentagon DGDo not store above 125F.
PermitStore under cool, dry conditions (below 120F). Do not store under moist conditions.
Poast and Poast PlusDo not store below 32F or above 100F.
PrefarProtect from temperatures below 42F. At temperatures below 42F, product may crystallize.
Princep Caliber 90Store in a dry place.
Prowl 3.3ECDo not store below 40F. Extended storage at temperatures below 40F can result in the formation of crystals on the bottom of the container.
Pursuit 2AS and WKeep from freezing. Do not store below 32F.
Pursuit PlusKeep from freezing. Do not store below 40F.
Ramrod FlowableStore above 20F and below 100F to keep product in suspension.
RangerAt temperatures below 50F, the viscosity of this product may increase to a point that pouring and mixing could be difficult.
RaptorKeep from freezing. Do not store below 32F.
ReflexStore above 32F.
RemedyStore above 28F or agitate before use.
Rezult (B and G formulations)Do not allow this product to freeze.
Scepter O.T.Keep from freezing. Do not store below 32F.
Scorpion IIIDo not store above 122F for extended periods of time. Water soluble packets may become brittle when stored below 32F.
ShotgunDo not store below 0F.
Sonalan HFPAvoid freezing. Store above 40F.
SpiritDo not store under wet conditions.
SquadronKeep from freezing. Do not store below 40F.
StalkerDo not store below 10F.
Stam 4E and M-4Protect from freezing. If stored below 32F and crystals form, warm to 72F for 24 hours.
StarfireStore at temperatures above 32F.
StatusStore above 32F.
SteelDo not store below 40F.
StingerStore above 28F or warm to 40F and agitate before use.
StormKeep from freezing. Store above 32F.
Surpass 100Can be stored at temperatures as low as -30F.
Surpass 20-GCan be stored at temperatures as low as -50F.
TopNotchCan be stored at temperatures as low as -30F.
Tordon 101 MixtureIf exposed to subfreezing temperatures, the product should be warmed to at least 40F and mixed thoroughly before using.
TornadoStore above 32F. If product freezes, return to room temperature and agitate to reconstitute.
Treflan HFPAvoid freezing. Store above 40F.
Treflan TR-10May be stored in unheated warehouses.
Tri-4 HFAvoid freezing. Store above 40F.
Tri-SceptKeep from freezing. Do not store below 40F.
Trifluralin (480, 4EC and HF formulations)Avoid freezing. Store above 40F.
TrilinAvoid freezing. Store above 40F.
TyphoonStore above 32F. If product freezes, return to room temperature and agitate to reconstitute.
Velpar LDo not subject to temperatures below 32F.
Whip 360Do not store over 100F or below 10F.
Insecticides/Miticides/Nematicides
ProductComments
Agree WGStore at temperatures below 104F.
Ambush 2ECProtect from freezing.
Ambush (wettable powder and water soluble pack)Do not store diluted material.
Ammo 2.5ECDo not store below 10F.
Ammo WSBDo not store at temperatures below 32F. Allow to warm above 50F before use.
Biobit XLStore in temperatures above 32F and below 90F.
Capture 2ECDo not freeze. Do not store below 40F. If crystals are observed, warm material to above 60F by placing container in warm location.
Chlorpyrifos 4E AGDo not store above 100F for extended periods. Storage below 20F may result in formation of crystals. If product crystallizes, store at 50 to 70F and agitate to redissolve crystals.
D-Z-N AG600 WBCIf freezing occurs, place the product in a warm room (68 degrees Fahrenheit or above) and allow to thaw.
Decis 1.5ECDo not store over 100F or below 50F.
DeclareDo not store below 0F.
DesignStore at temperatures below 104F.
Dicofol 4EKeep from freezing. Store at 32 to 110F.
Dimethoate 400Do not store below temperatures of 45F.
Dimethoate 4ECDo not store below 32F as it may tend to crystallize. Avoid storage above 90F, as prolonged storage above 90F may cause some loss in grade.
Dimethoate 5 LB.This product is susceptible to moisture. Do not store below 40F as product may crystallize. Avoid storage above 95F as prolonged storage above 90F may cause loss in grade.
Dimilin 25W and 2LStore in a dry location.
DiPel (ES and ES CPI)Do not store at temperatures greater than 100F.
Furadan 4FFuradan 4F is freeze/thaw stable. If frozen, thaw and agitate before reuse. To keep the product from freezing, store above 32F.
Fury 1.5ECDo not store below 20F. If solids are observed, warm to above 40F.
Gemstar LCStore at temperatures below 90F. Storing the product in a freezer or refrigerator will extend its shelf life.
GnatrolStore between 59 and 86F.
Golden Leaf Tobacco SprayDo not store below 20F.
Guthion 2LDo not store below 45F.
Guthion Solupak 50 percent WPDo not store below 32F.
Javelin WGProtect from freezing. Storage at temperatures above 90F may impair effectiveness.
Karate ZDo not allow product to freeze.
Kelthane 50 WSPThe water-soluble pouch may become brittle at storage temperatures below 32F but the miticide is not affected.
Kelthane MFKeep from freezing. Store at 32 to 110F.
KickStartDo not allow to freeze or become overheated.
Lannate LVDo not subject to temperatures below 32F.
Lannate SPAllow to warm above 50F for normal handling.
Larvin 3.2Do not allow prolonged storage in areas where temperatures frequently exceed 115F.
Lorsban 4EDo not store above 100F for extended periods. Storage below 20F may result in formation of crystals. If product crystallizes, store at 50 to 70F and agitate to redissolve crystals.
Lorsban 50-WBags may become brittle when stored below 32F. Do not store above 100F for extended periods of time.
Malathion 57 ECDo not store below 0F. If frozen, warm to 40F and redissolve.
Mustang 1.5 EWDo not freeze.
Neemix 0.25 and 4.5Do not store below 50F or above 95F.
Nemacur 3Do not store below 32F.
NovodorStorage at temperatures between 40 and 50F is recommended for maximum product stability. Storage at temperatures above 90F for an extended period of time should be avoided.
Phaser 3ECDo not store below 20F.
Pounce 3.2 ECDo not store below 10F.
Pounce WSBDo not store at temperatures below 32F. Allow to warm above 50F before use.
Provado SolupakDo not store below 32F.
Scout X-TRADo not store over 100F or below 10F
Scout X-TRA GelDo not store this product under wet conditions.
Sevin (all formulations)Do not store in areas where temperatures frequently exceed 100F.
Sniper 50 PVAStore below 120F. Do not store next to herbicides.
Spod-X LCStore at temperatures below 90F. Storing the product in a freezer or refrigerator will extend its shelf-life.
Temik (all formulations)Do not store in areas where temperature averages 115F or greater.
Thiodan 3 ECDo not store below 20F.
Thiodan Cottonseed OilDo not store below 0F.
ThirethrinDo not store below 20F.
ThuricideActivity may be impaired by storage at temperatures above 90F.
TrigardDo not store this product under wet conditions.
TrilogyDo not store below 40F.
VectoBac 12ASStore between 59 and 86F.
Vydate C-LV and LDo not subject to temperatures below 32F.