Glyphosate: Broad-Spectrum Non-Selective Herbicide

Technical Introduction

Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used broad-spectrum, systemic, non-selective herbicide. Chemically, it is a phosphonomethyl amino acid derivative, discovered in the 1970s and commercialized for global agriculture.

• Mode of Action (MOA): Inhibits 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), an enzyme in the shikimic acid pathway. This pathway is critical for the production of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan), essential for protein synthesis and plant growth.

• Impact: After application, growth stops within hours, visible symptoms appear in 4–10 days, and complete weed death occurs in 1–3 weeks.

• Systemic Nature: Glyphosate is absorbed through green leaves and young stems, translocated to roots and rhizomes, providing complete control of both annual and perennial weeds.

Applications

• Agriculture:

  • Pre-plant weed control before sowing crops like maize, soybean, cotton, and cereals.

  • Used in conservation tillage and zero-tillage systems.

  • Pre-harvest application in some crops for desiccation and harvest aid.

• Horticulture & Plantations:

  • Weed control in orchards, tea, coffee, vineyards, banana, citrus, and sugarcane fields.

  • Prevents competition for water, light, and nutrients.

• Non-crop Areas:

  • Weed control in roadsides, railways, irrigation canals, industrial areas, and forestry.

• Special Uses:

  • Management of invasive species in forestry and environmental conservation.

  • Integrated into herbicide-tolerant crop systems (e.g., “Roundup Ready” crops).

✅ Advantages

• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Controls grasses, broadleaves, sedges, and woody weeds.

• Systemic Action: Kills both above-ground and underground plant parts.

• No Soil Residual Activity: Safe to apply before planting — does not affect germination of subsequent crops.

• Versatility: Works across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and non-crop management.

• Cost-Effective: Reduces labor costs for manual weeding.

• Compatible in Tank Mixes: Can be combined with 2,4-D, Atrazine, Paraquat for enhanced efficacy.

⚙️ Specifications (Technical Parameters)

❓ FAQ

Q1: Is Glyphosate selective?
No, it is non-selective — it kills any green vegetation it contacts. Careful application is required to avoid crop injury.

Q2: Does Glyphosate leave residues in soil?
No, it binds strongly to soil particles and is degraded by microorganisms. It has no significant soil residual activity.

Q3: How long does it take to work?
Weeds usually show yellowing in 4–10 days and die completely within 1–3 weeks depending on weather and growth stage.

Q4: Can Glyphosate be used in crop fields?
Yes, but only as pre-plant, pre-emergence, directed spray, or in glyphosate-tolerant crops.

Q5: Why are there different formulations like 41% SL, 62% SL, and 71% SG?
The difference lies in concentration, formulation stability, and application convenience. Higher concentrations reduce transport and handling costs.