Glufosinate-Ammonium: A Broad-Spectrum Non-Selective Herbicide

2025-08-22 14:22

Technical Introduction

Glufosinate-ammonium (IUPAC: ammonium DL-homoalanin-4-yl(methyl)phosphinate) is a broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicide belonging to the phosphinic acid family.

It controls weeds by inhibiting glutamine synthetase, an enzyme essential for nitrogen metabolism. This inhibition causes ammonia accumulation in plant tissues, leading to disruption of photosynthesis and rapid plant death.

  • Mode of Action: Glutamine synthetase inhibitor (HRAC Group 10).

  • Systemicity:Contact herbicide with limited translocation.

  • Action Speed: Weed symptoms appear within 2–5 days, faster under bright sunlight.


Applications

  • Agricultural Use:

    • Non-selective weed control in orchards, vineyards, sugarcane, tea, and oil palm.

    • Burndown before sowing in no-till or reduced-till systems.

    • Inter-row weed management in broadleaf and tree crops.

    • Desiccant in potatoes and pulses before harvest.

  • Biotech Crops:

    • Widely used with glufosinate-tolerant GM crops (e.g., LibertyLink® maize, soybean, cotton, canola).

  • Weeds Controlled:

    • Annual grasses: Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyardgrass), Digitaria spp. (crabgrass), Setaria spp. (foxtail).

    • Broadleaf weeds: Amaranthus spp., Chenopodium spp., Solanum spp., Portulaca oleracea.

    • Partial suppression of perennials (e.g., Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepense).


Advantages

  • Broad-Spectrum Activity: Effective against both grasses and broadleaf weeds.

  • Alternative to Glyphosate: Useful in resistance management programs.

  • No Soil Residual Effect: Rapidly binds to soil, minimizing carryover risks.

  • Safe for Directed Application: In orchards and vineyards without damaging woody tissues.

  • Compatible with GM Crops: Integral in herbicide-tolerant crop systems.


Specifications (Typical Parameters)

ParameterDescriptionTypical Value
Chemical NameGlufosinate-ammonium
Chemical ClassPhosphinic acid herbicide
Chemical FormulaC₅H₁₅N₂O₄P
Molecular Weight~198.16 g/mol
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid (formulated)
Purity (TC)≥ 95%
Common Formulations150 g/L SL, 200 g/L SL
Mode of ActionGlutamine synthetase inhibitor
Target WeedsAnnual and perennial grasses & broadleaves
Residual ActivityNone (inactivated in soil)
ToxicityOral LD₅₀ (rat) > 2,000 mg/kg (low to moderate toxicity); slightly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms

FAQ

Q1: How does Glufosinate differ from Glyphosate?
A: Glufosinate inhibits glutamine synthetase, while Glyphosate inhibits EPSPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase). Glufosinate acts faster but has weaker systemic movement compared to glyphosate.

Q2: Does Glufosinate kill perennial weeds completely?
A: It is more effective on annual weeds. Perennial weeds may regrow since underground rhizomes or roots are not fully controlled.

Q3: Can Glufosinate be used in crop fields?
A: Yes, but only with glufosinate-tolerant crops or as directed spraying in orchards and inter-row spaces to avoid crop injury.

Q4: How fast does Glufosinate act?
A: Visible symptoms (chlorosis, necrosis) appear within 2–5 days, faster than glyphosate under bright conditions.

Q5: Is resistance an issue with Glufosinate?
A: Resistance is less widespread than with glyphosate, but some resistant populations (e.g., Amaranthus spp.) have been reported. It should be used as part of integrated weed management (IWM).

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