What is the primary function of active ingredients in pesticide formulations?

The primary function of active ingredients in pesticide formulations is to directly kill or control pests. Active ingredients are the chemical compounds that exert the intended biological effect on target organisms, such as insects, weeds, or diseases. These substances are specifically designed to interfere with the physiological processes of pests, leading to their mortality or suppression.

In contrast, other components of a pesticide formulation, such as inert ingredients, may serve different purposes, such as enhancing the overall stability of the formulation, aiding in the mixing and application process, or providing characteristics like color for identification or marketing purposes. However, it is the active ingredients that are directly responsible for the pest control action, making them essential to the efficacy of the pesticide.