Active Ingredient Chemistry and Systemic Action
Roundup contains the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate (41% SL). As an EPSP synthase enzyme inhibitor (HRAC Group 9), it blocks the synthesis of essential aromatic amino acids in green plants.
Upon foliar absorption, glyphosate translocates systemically through the phloem to growing meristems, rhizomes, and underground tubers, preventing perennial weeds from regenerating.
- Target weeds: Tough perennial grasses (Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepense), sedges (Cyperus rotundus), and broadleaf brush.
- Systemic movement: Moves completely downward to root crowns and underground tubers, ensuring comprehensive weed death.
- Soil inactivation: Inactivates rapidly upon contact with soil clay particles, leaving no residual root uptake for subsequent crops.
- Non-selective nature: Destroys all green plant tissues; must never be sprayed over active food crops without protective shields.
Regulatory Guidelines, Spray Equipment, and Safety
In India, Central Insecticides Board regulations strictly restrict glyphosate usage to designated tea plantations and non-cropped land.
Using shielded spray lances prevents accidental herbicide drift onto desirable crop foliage.
- Use clean, silt-free water for dilution; suspended clay particles in turbid canal water rapidly neutralize glyphosate.
- Attach a protective spray hood over the nozzle to prevent drift onto standing crops or green tree bark.
- Wear personal protective gear including chemical gloves, goggles, apron, and boots during spray preparation and spraying.
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 ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Is Roundup an insecticide or a herbicide?
Roundup is a non-selective systemic herbicide containing Glyphosate, designed to kill weeds rather than insect pests.
Can Roundup be sprayed in standing paddy or wheat fields?
No, Roundup is non-selective and will destroy standing crops; it is legally restricted to non-crop areas, bunds, and tea plantations.
Why is clean water necessary when mixing Roundup herbicide?
Glyphosate binds tightly to suspended clay and silt in muddy water, which deactivates the chemical before it reaches weed leaves.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
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