Pesticides: Glyphosate

Common Brand Names:

Chemical Action and Usages: Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that throughout the years has been known by its original trade name of Roundup®. It is available in concentrate and RTU formulations. With the expiration of the original patent, many new brands have entered the market place. Look for 41% glyphosate on the ingredient part of the product label and you will know that you have the same thing as the original full strength Roundup®. Glyphosate is a post emergence (after weeds are up) herbicide used to kill a broad range of green plants including annuals, perennials, grasses, sedges, broad-leafed weeds and smaller woody plants. In addition, there is a formulation on the market today that controls aquatic weeds. Glyphosate is best applied to actively growing, full size foliage. It is absorbed through the leaves of the plant, trans-located throughout the plant and destroys the plant, roots and all. Since this chemical becomes inert when it enters the soil, replanting may be done within a short period of time with no ill effects on the succeeding crop. Most of the brands today also contain a surfactant (spreader-sticker) which helps the chemical adhere to the leaves, thereby giving quicker results and making the product rain fast in a shorter period of time.

Cautions/Instructions: Read the label carefully of the brand and formulation you have selected. Apply the product according to the directions on the label. This product is not recommended for spot weed control in lawns as overspray will result in dead spots (will kill the grass also) in the lawn. Avoid using this product in windy conditions in order to avoid damage to nearby desirable plants. Damage to nearby plants can be avoided by shielding them from the spray and/or adjusting your sprayer to deliver a coarser spray rather than a fine mist.

Toxicity: Can cause significant eye irritation but otherwise is only slightly toxic to humans. Low toxicity to birds and fish. Non toxic to bees.