What factor is NOT considered part of herbicide formulation?

The reasoning behind identifying pesticide containers as not part of herbicide formulation lies in the distinction between the formulation itself and its packaging. Herbicide formulation pertains to the specific components that contribute to the chemical effectiveness of the herbicide, which include active ingredients, surfactants, and carrier materials.

Active ingredients are the substances responsible for the herbicidal activity, surfactants help increase the effectiveness of these active ingredients by improving their ability to spread and adhere to plant surfaces, and carrier materials serve to dilute or transport the active ingredients, ensuring proper application and efficacy.

In contrast, the pesticide container, while crucial for storage, transport, and safety during handling and application, does not play a role in the formulation of the herbicide itself. It is merely a vessel that holds the formulated product, making it an important aspect of pesticide management but not part of its chemical makeup or effectiveness. Thus, identifying the pesticide container as not part of herbicide formulation reflects an understanding of the components that contribute to the actual functionality of the herbicide.