Introduction to Glyphosate 360G/l SL  480G/L SL

Glyphosate is a widely used non-selective, systemic herbicide known for its high efficiency, broad spectrum, and low toxicity. It plays a crucial role in agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and other fields. Below is a detailed introduction from multiple perspectives:

I. Basic Information

• Chemical Name: N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine

• Chemical Formula: C₃H₈NO₅P

• Appearance: Pure glyphosate is a white crystalline powder; industrial products are usually aqueous solutions (e.g., isopropylamine salt) for easy dissolution and spraying.

• Mechanism of Action: It inhibits the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in plants. This enzyme is critical for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan) — essential for plant growth. Inhibition leads to the inability to produce these amino acids, resulting in growth arrest and eventual death.

II. Key Characteristics

1. Non-selectivity: It is toxic to most green plants (including crops, weeds, and trees), so contact with crop leaves must be avoided during application.

2. Systemic Translocation: It can be absorbed by plant leaves and stems, then transported through the phloem to all tissues (e.g., roots, rhizomes), making it effective against perennial deep-rooted weeds.

3. Broad Weed Control Spectrum: It controls annual and perennial grasses (e.g., barnyard grass, green foxtail), broadleaf weeds (e.g., purslane, dandelion), and sedges.

4. Environmental Degradability: It is easily decomposed by soil microorganisms with a half-life of 1–174 days (depending on soil type, temperature, humidity, etc.), causing relatively little residual impact on soil and low risk of groundwater contamination.

III. Main Applications

1. Agricultural Use:

• Pre-planting weed control in no-till farming to reduce tillage and protect soil structure.

• Directed spraying between crop rows (e.g., late-stage corn, cotton) to control weeds.

• Used with glyphosate-resistant genetically modified crops (e.g., glyphosate-resistant soybeans, corn), allowing direct spraying without harming crops.

2. Non-agricultural Use:

• Weed control along railways and highways to prevent interference with transportation infrastructure.

• Clearing shrubs in gardens and orchards, or as a pre-planting soil treatment.

IV. Safety and Controversies

• Low Toxicity: It has low acute toxicity to mammals (oral LD₅₀ in rats is approximately 4300 mg/kg). Risks to humans are low under normal use, but direct skin contact or inhalation should be avoided.

• Environmental Impact: It is toxic to aquatic organisms, so contamination of water bodies must be prevented. It has low toxicity to bees but may indirectly affect insects dependent on weeds.

• Health Controversies: In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A), a conclusion that remains disputed. Agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) argue that existing evidence is insufficient to confirm carcinogenicity, and research on its safety continues.

V. Usage Precautions

• Avoid spraying in strong winds to prevent drift damage to neighboring crops.

• Select appropriate application timing (e.g., weed seedling to vigorous growth stage) to enhance efficacy.

• Follow recommended doses strictly; overuse may cause short-term soil residues or harm to sensitive subsequent crops.

• Operators should wear protective gear (e.g., gloves, masks) to avoid skin contact or ingestion.

Glyphosate has become one of the most widely used herbicides globally due to its efficiency and convenience. However, it should be used scientifically and standardized to balance agricultural production and ecological safety.