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Crop Protection & Pesticides

Glufosinate Ammonium: Mode of Action, Weeds and Crop Safety

Glufosinate Ammonium is a broad-spectrum, non-selective post-emergence contact herbicide widely utilized for directed weed control in plantations, orchards, and non-crop areas. By inhibiting the glutamine synthetase enzyme, it disrupts nitrogen metabolism in target weeds, causing rapid cellular breakdown within days.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Chemical identity and biochemical mode of action

  • Belongs to the phosphinic acid organophosphorus chemical family, categorized under HRAC/WSSA Group 10.
  • Acts as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS), which catalyzes the conversion of ammonia and glutamate into glutamine.
  • Leads to rapid accumulation of toxic intracellular ammonia, collapse of photosynthetic electron transport, and membrane destruction.
  • Primarily a contact herbicide with partial translaminar mobility, requiring thorough droplet coverage on weed foliage.

Target weeds and approved agricultural uses

  • Tea plantations: Directed post-emergence spray for controlling aggressive annual and perennial grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds.
  • Non-cropped lands: Clears troublesome vegetation around irrigation bunds, farm boundaries, and industrial premises.
  • Controls weeds resistant to ALS inhibitors and triazines, including Eleusine indica, Digitaria sanguinalis, Commelina, and Amaranthus spp.

Application technique and spray drift precautions

  • Use a knapsack or motorized sprayer equipped with a protective spray hood and flat-fan nozzle to prevent spray droplets from contacting crop foliage.
  • Apply during active weed growth under warm sunny conditions; light significantly accelerates the herbicide's biochemical efficacy.
  • Follow CIBRC approved label dosages, observe pre-harvest intervals, and use clean, silt-free water for dilution.

Official source

Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.

Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗

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Common questions

What is the mode of action of Glufosinate Ammonium?

It inhibits the glutamine synthetase enzyme, causing toxic ammonia accumulation that breaks down plant cell membranes.

Is Glufosinate Ammonium a systemic or contact herbicide?

It is primarily a contact herbicide with limited translaminar movement, requiring thorough spray coverage.

In which crops is Glufosinate Ammonium registered in India?

It is registered for directed weed control in tea plantations and non-cropped land areas.

Why is sunlight important for Glufosinate Ammonium performance?

Sunlight accelerates photosynthesis, speeding up ammonia accumulation and weed desiccation.

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

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