Glyphosate

 

(N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) is a non-selective systemic herbicide, absorbed through the leaves, injected into the bole, or applied to the stump of a tree, used to kill weeds, especially perennials and broadcast or used in the cut-stump treatment as a forestry herbicide.

 

 

It is a white or slight yellow powdery matter, involatile, melting(and meanwhile decomposing) in 230°C

 

 

Molecular formula: C₃H₈NO₅P             Molar mass:   169.07 g mol^-1

CAS: 1071-83-6

 

 

Chemically, glyphosate is an organophosphate like many other pesticides but it does not affect the nervous system as other organophosphates do. It is a broad spectrum, non-selective herbicide which kills all plants, including grasses, broad leaf and woody plants. It is absorbed mainly through the leaves and is transported around the whole plant, killing all parts of it. It acts by inhibiting a biochemical pathway, the shikimic acid pathway. At low levels of application it acts as a growth regulator.

 

 

USE:

Glyphosate is effective in killing a wide variety of plants, including grasses, broadleaf, and woody plants. It has a relatively small effect on some clover species. By volume, it is one of the most widely used herbicides. It is commonly used for agriculture, horticulture, and silviculture purposes, as well as garden maintenance (including home use).

 

 

 

TOXICITY

Glyphosate is less toxic than a number of other herbicides and pesticides, such as those from the organochlorine family.

 

The direct toxicity of pure glyphosate to mammals and birds is low.