Which type of pesticide formulation is referred to as "microencapsulated"?

Microencapsulated pesticide formulations are designed to improve the efficacy, control, and safety of pesticides. This method involves encasing pesticide molecules within tiny capsules, which can be made from various materials. As a result, these formulations provide a slow and controlled release of the active ingredient over time, reducing the likelihood of rapid degradation and offering prolonged effectiveness.

Microencapsulated formulations are particularly advantageous in situations where a slow release is desired to reduce the frequency of application and mitigate potential harm to non-target organisms. They can also be more effective in managing pests that may develop resistance to traditional formulations. This controlled release can lead to improved pest control while minimizing the impact on beneficial insects and the environment.

In the context of the other options, formulations like emulsifiable concentrates (E, EC, EW) primarily focus on mixing the pesticide with oils and water but do not have the controlled release properties of microencapsulation. Ready-to-use (RTU) formulations are pre-mixed for immediate application and lack the slow-release benefit. Thus, the identification of the "microencapsulated" formulation is accurate within the given options.