Included in this amount are insecticides, miticides, fumigants, nematicides, rodenticides, desiccants, defoliants, growth regulators, herbicides, bactericides, antimicrobials, algicides, and fungicides. Also included in the total are chemical adjuvants, which are considered pesticides under California law; these include emulsifiers, spreaders, water modifiers, and other chemicals added to pesticides to enhance their effectiveness.

The total pounds of active ingredients sold fluctuate from year to year. These fluctuations can be attributed to a variety of factors, including changing weather conditions, changes in planted acreage, crop planting, and pest infestations. Marketing techniques, company takeovers, and sales promotions also affect the amount of pesticides sold due to commercial trends that appeal to the consumer. Registration of new products may initially result in an increase of pounds of product sold. Cancellation or suspension of products may subsequently affect the sale of other products. Also, duplications in reporting may be responsible for a margin of fluctuation. For example, if a registered product with complete use directions is sold to another registrant, who then relabels it, both would report the sale.