Trifluralin

It is orange cry stalline solid. m.p. 48.5-49℃ (42℃ for industrial product), vapor pressure 2.65×10-2Pa (29.5℃ ); 1.373×10-2Pa (25℃ ), b.p. 96-97℃ /23.99Pa. soluble in most organic solvents, 58% in xylene, 40% in acetone, 7% in ethanol; insoluble in water. Easily volatile, easily photolyzed, can be fi xed by soil colloid adsorption, chemically stable.

Used as herbicide for fruit, cotton, soybean and other crops

Trifluralin is a pre-emergence, selective herbicide widely used to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in various crops. It is particularly effective in crops like cotton, soybeans, vegetables, and ornamentals. Trifluralin works by inhibiting root development in germinating weed seeds, offering long-lasting weed control when incorporated into the soil before planting.

Key Features

1. Pre-Emergence Herbicide: Prevents weed germination and growth before they emerge.

2. Selective Control: Targets weeds without harming most crops.

3. Long Residual Activity: Remains active in the soil for extended periods.

4. Broad Weed Spectrum: Effective against a wide range of annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds.

Applications

Crops Treated

• Cotton

• Soybeans

• Vegetables (e.g., carrots, onions, beans)

• Ornamentals

• Sunflowers

Weeds Controlled

• Annual Grasses:

  • Foxtails (Setaria spp.)

  • Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)

  • Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli)

  
  

• Broadleaf Weeds:

  • Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.)

  • Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album)

  • Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

  
  

Mechanism of Action

Trifluralin inhibits cell division in weed seedlings by disrupting microtubule formation. This prevents root and shoot development, effectively stopping weeds at the germination stage. It is absorbed primarily through the roots of germinating seeds and is not effective against established weeds.

Advantages

1. Weed Prevention: Stops weeds before they emerge, reducing competition for nutrients and water.

2. Selective Crop Safety: Compatible with a wide range of crops.

3. Extended Residual Control: Provides long-lasting weed suppression.

4. Soil Incorporation: Incorporation ensures consistent performance under various conditions.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Handling and Storage

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during application.

• Store in a cool, dry location away from food, water, and feed.

Environmental Impact

• Aquatic Safety: Avoid runoff into water bodies to protect aquatic ecosystems.

• Soil Mobility: Low leaching potential; remains active in the upper soil layers.

• Non-Target Plants: Ensure proper application to avoid drift to sensitive plants.

Regulatory Compliance

• Follow local regulations and label instructions for safe use.

Limitations

1. No Post-Emergence Activity: Ineffective against weeds that have already emerged.

2. Incorporation Requirement: Must be mechanically incorporated into the soil for optimal performance.

3. Resistance Management: Overuse may lead to resistant weed populations.

Conclusion

Trifluralin is a reliable pre-emergence herbicide that provides effective and long-lasting control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. Its selectivity and residual activity make it a valuable tool for integrated weed management in crops like cotton, soybeans, and vegetables. Proper soil incorporation and adherence to resistance management strategies are essential for achieving the best results.