Active chemistry and biochemical mode of action
Glufosinate Ammonium works through a unique physiological pathway classified under HRAC Group 10.
Key technical properties:
- Active ingredient: Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% w/w Soluble Liquid (SL).
- Glutamine synthetase inhibition: Irreversibly blocks glutamine synthetase, an essential enzyme responsible for assimilating nitrogen in plant tissue.
- Ammonia accumulation: The blockage leads to toxic buildup of intracellular ammonium ions, disrupting chloroplast membranes and stopping photosynthesis.
- Contact action with translaminar movement: Primarily acts as a contact herbicide with localized translaminar activity, thoroughly desiccating treated foliage.
- Rapid symptom onset: Treated broadleaf weeds and annual grasses show chlorosis within 2 to 3 days, followed by complete plant necrosis within 1 to 2 weeks.
Target weed spectrum and approved application zones
Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL controls a wide spectrum of annual and perennial weed species:
Primary target weeds and use areas:
- Tea plantations: Directed post-emergence application between tea bushes to suppress mixed weed populations.
- Non-crop agricultural land: Clearing dense vegetation along field boundaries, drainage ditches, and farm roadways.
- Broadleaf weeds controlled: Ageratum conyzoides, Commelina benghalensis, Bidens pilosa, and Euphorbia species.
- Grasses and sedges suppressed: Eleusine indica, Digitaria sanguinalis, Paspalum conjugatum, and Cyperus species.
Spraying best practices and drift prevention
Apply Glufosinate Ammonium when weeds are young and actively growing (10 to 15 cm height) with adequate soil moisture and sunlight. Always fit sprayers with protective drift guards or spray hoods to prevent fine spray droplets from contacting standing commercial crops. Applicators must wear chemical-resistant nitrile gloves, protective goggles, and face masks.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the mode of action of Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL?
It inhibits the enzyme glutamine synthetase, leading to toxic ammonia accumulation inside weed cells that disrupts photosynthesis.
Is Glufosinate Ammonium a selective or non-selective herbicide?
It is a non-selective contact herbicide that controls all green plant tissue it contacts.
Where is Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL approved for use in India?
It is registered by CIBRC for directed post-emergence weed management in tea estates and non-cropped agricultural land.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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