Pesticide registration, physical/chemical

Generally, it takes some five to seven years to bring a pesticide to market once its pesticidal properties have been verified. Many tests must be conducted to determine such things as the compound s synthesis, its chemical and physical properties, and its efficacy. In addition, in order for registration for use by the US EPA, numerous toxicity tests are undertaken including those for acute toxicity, those for chronic effects such as reproductive anomalies, carcinogenesis, and neurological effects and those for environmental effects. 

TABLE 11.11 Examples of Physical snd Chemical Tests Required for the Registration of New Pesticides... 

The first two of the chemical release mechanisms usually involve covalent bonding of the pesticide and the formation of a molecular species different to the original structure. As a result of the registration requirements of new pesticide molecules, this approach implies considerable additional costs which outweigh the putative formulation benefits. Thus, true chemical approaches are often proscribed in favor of physical methods. 

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