What type of pesticide formulation needs to be agitated before use?

The correct answer in this context is the emulsifiable concentrate. This type of pesticide formulation consists of an active ingredient that is typically oil-based and needs to be mixed with water to form an emulsion before application. Agitation is essential as it ensures that the oil-based components are evenly distributed throughout the water, creating a stable mixture that can effectively be applied to the target area.

When not agitated, emulsifiable concentrates can separate, leading to inconsistent application rates and reduced effectiveness. In contrast, granules consist of solid particles that do not require agitation, as they are ready to be applied directly to the surface or soil. Liquid solutions are already homogeneous and do not need agitation before use. Suspensions, while they may require some stirring before use to ensure uniform distribution of the active ingredient, do not have the same specific need for agitation as emulsifiable concentrates do to create a stable emulsion.