Glyphosate: characteristics, harm to humans, use. Glyphosate - does Glyphosate harm a person and we

Glyphosate is a broad spectrum pesticide widely used to kill unwanted plants, as in agriculture and in non-agricultural landscapes. Most products that contain glyphosate are either manufactured or used with a surfactant to help the glyphosate enter plant cells. The surfactant used in a common glyphosate-based product (known as Roundup) is more toxic than glyphosate itself, and the combination of the two is even more toxic.

Glyphosate-based herbicides, marketed as “low-toxic and environmentally friendly,” may seem like a panacea for controlling unwanted plants. Meanwhile, products containing glyphosate are acutely toxic to animals, including humans. Symptoms: eye and skin irritation, headache, nausea, numbness, increased blood pressure and palpitations. Observations of people (mostly farmers) exposed to glyphosate have shown that such exposure is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and cancerous lymphoma.

The drug was first registered in the US in 1974 and is used to control weeds in a wide range of agricultural, urban, landscaping, water and forest situations. Most herbicides contain the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate.

Glyphosate ranks among the most common pesticides in agriculture. Its greatest use is noted in the production of soybeans, corn, hay, pastures and fallow lands. The use of glyphosate is currently increasing, mainly due to the recent development through genetic engineering and the introduction of herbicide-tolerant plants.

Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine (Figure 3) is a non-selective, whole-body herbicide used to kill broadleaf, herbaceous, and sedge plant species.

Figure 3 - Structural formula of glyphosate

Glyphosate is well absorbed by aboveground plant organs and moves to deep roots. Annual and perennial monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants are sensitive to it, including such rhizomatous and rhizomatous plants as couch grass, hogweed, humai, stingray, yellow sow thistle, field thistle, white gauze and others. Glyphosate moves from the place of application slowly (7–10 days), but over long distances (to a depth of 2 m) and causes the death of rhizomes within a radius of 30 cm. Perennial weeds are suppressed throughout the growing season, annuals - until new ones grow back. A visually observed effect appears on annual plants after 2-4 days, on perennial plants - after 7-10 days, and the complete death of weeds occurs 20 days or more after the application of the drug. Cool and cloudy weather slows down the phytotoxicity of the herbicide, and rainfall less than 2 hours after spraying can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Weeds first acquire a light green color, then turn yellow, discolor, lose turgor, dry out, and die after 14–20 days.

The mechanism of action of glyphosate according to the EPA is currently not fully understood. But thanks to research, it has been established that glyphosate inhibits the enzymatic pathway involving shechymic acid, preventing plants from synthesizing three aromatic amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine). Aromatic amino acids play an important role in cellular metabolism. They are part of proteins and serve as the initial compounds for the metabolism of phenylpropanoids - the "mass production" formed during plant growth. They are composed of pigments and a polymer of cell walls - lignin. The key enzyme inhibited by glyphosate is called EPSP synthase (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase).

Glyphosate can affect plant enzymes not related to schichemic acid. In sugar cane, it reduces the activity of an enzyme involved in sugar metabolism. It also inhibits a major plant detoxifying enzyme.

In fact, every pesticide, in addition to the so-called "active" substance intended to kill plants, also contains other ingredients. These ingredients are inaccurately referred to as "inert". "Inert" components are intended to facilitate the use of the product and increase its effectiveness. As a rule, these constituents are not listed on the labels of pesticide products.

Glyphosate is a member of activated organophosphonates straight C-R bond and forms the basis of many herbicides. They are distinguished by high toxicity and resistance to decomposition. C-P connection organophosphonates is difficult to chemically hydrolyze, but can be broken down using special enzyme systems of degrading microorganisms. The released phosphorus is used by microorganisms as the only source of this component in the processes of biosynthesis and energy metabolism.

The persistence of glyphosate in soil varies widely, and there is no single answer to the question of how long glyphosate remains in soil. Half-lives (the time it takes for half of the original amount of glyphosate to break down or carry away) as determined by the glyphosate manufacturer ranged from 3 to 141 days.

Glyphosate is believed to form strong complexes with most soils and is therefore exceptionally immobile. This means it is unlikely that glyphosate will contaminate water and soil outside of its application area. However, this relationship with the soil is reversible. For example, some studies have shown that glyphosate easily binds to different types of soils. However, desorption, when glyphosate is detached from soil particles, is also easy.

Glyphosate has been found in both surface and groundwater. The persistence of glyphosate in water is lower than in soil.

Glyphosate can harm many non-target organisms of the pesticide. There are also other serious effects such as impact on rare plant species, deterioration of seed quality, reduced nitrogen fixation capacity, increased plant disease susceptibility and reduced mycorrhizal fungal activity.

Seed quality. The sublethal treatment of cotton with Roundup greatly impairs the germination of seeds and the development of seedlings in the field. At the lowest tested concentrations of glyphosate, seed germination decreased from 24 to 85%, and seedling weight from 19 to 83%.

Nitrogen fixation. Most living things are not able to absorb nitrogen in pure form and get it in the form of ammonia and nitrates. Ammonia and nitrates are formed through processes called nitrogen fixation and nitrification. These processes are carried out by bacteria living in the soil and in nodules on the roots of legumes and some other plants.

At concentrations consistent with typical application rates, glyphosate reduces the number of nitrogen-fixing nodules by 70% in clover planted 120 days after treatment; a similar concentration of herbicide with glyphosate reduced nodulation by 27% in hydroponically grown clover. A similar concentration of glyphosate reduces the process of nitrogen fixation by bacteria in the soil by 20%. Treatment with glyphosate herbicide at the lowest concentration tested (10 times less than typical application rate) reduces clover nodulation by 68-95%.

Plant diseases. Glyphosate treatment increases the susceptibility of cultivated crops to a number of diseases. For example, glyphosate increased root and stem disease in tomatoes; reduced the ability of leguminous plants to defend themselves against anthracnose; increased the spread of non-specific rot in the soil of a wheat field and reduced the proportion of soil fungi - antagonists of rot fungi; increased the content in the soil of two pathogens of pea roots. In addition, pine nursery treatment has weakened the seedlings' protective ability to resist blue rot.

To obtain the maximum effect from the use of glyphosate-containing herbicides, the following rules must be observed:

– before spraying, carefully and quickly remove all straw from the field;

- at the time of treatment, weeds should actively vegetate, as the drugs enter them through the leaves and other green organs. Wheatgrass should have 3–4 actively assimilating leaves (height 10–20 cm), thistle must have 4–5 leaves (rosette diameter 10–20 cm). After a severe drought, it is possible to stimulate the growth of thistles and annual weeds by disking the stubble, waiting for fresh rosettes to appear and then applying a herbicide. For better regrowth of wheatgrass, mechanical treatments, on the contrary, are undesirable;

– the optimal air temperature for the effects of drugs is from 15 to 25C. Although they work at a temperature of 5C, however, their action slows down. Glyphosate can be applied 1-2 weeks before the first frost. Even after frosts, herbicides act, although slowly, but no less effectively, if by the time of spraying the browning of the vegetative mass of weeds due to cold weather is less than 25%;

- in arid conditions, with a low cut of fallen grain crops, to stimulate the regrowth of perennials, it is advisable to disk the stubble, and 2–3 weeks after it, spray on the overgrown weeds;

- since glyphosate moves throughout the root system of weeds, their complete death (yellowing and drying) occurs within 14-21 days;

– precipitation that fell 4–6 hours after treatment reduces the herbicidal effect;

– optimal consumption of working fluid – no more than 100–200 l/ha;

- application rates of roundup depend on the species composition of weeds. Against wheatgrass, 3–4 l/ha are used, wormwood species - 5 l/ha, sow thistles - 5–6 l/ha;

- tillage is possible already 5-7 days after spraying, but better - 15-21 days after the complete death of the weeds.

It is especially important to use these herbicides for cereals, including winter crops. Winter crops are often located on a layer of perennial grasses. The use of glyphosates after the regrowth of the first cut of grasses and weeds ensures their complete death, respectively, cutting the grass layer and plowing is simplified, the costs of these operations are reduced by 25–30%, and there is no further vegetation of grass plants in winter crops or other crops.

When evaluating the economic efficiency of the use of herbicides - glyphosate derivatives, it is important to take into account that when plowing and preparing the field, up to 30% of fuel is saved, and other costs are also reduced. This event is the most environmentally friendly way to suppress perennial weeds, since crops do not vegetate at the time of chemical weeding, it is convenient for the machine operator to work, a small amount of working fluid is used, and the absence of perennial weeds for 2–3 years is guaranteed. On average, one ruble invested in the autumn period, for example, in the crop rotation link “winter wheat after perennial grasses”, pays off two years after the application of 10, and after three years - 16 rubles / ha of profit. For cereals, the increase in yield is at least 5 centners / ha of grain, for flax - at least 1-3 centners / ha of seeds and 5-10 centners / ha of straw, for lupine - 5 centners / ha of grain



In 2014, American farmers dumped 240 million pounds of glyphosate-based herbicides on crops such as corn, wheat and soybeans.

Because glyphosate targets an enzyme found in plants but not animals, it has long been considered safe for human consumption. But is it really safe?

Glyphosate is commonly used on wheat, corn and soybeans as a weed killer and can have serious consequences for your health.

What is glyphosate?

Monsanto patented glyphosate under the name "Roundup" in the 1970s, and shortly thereafter it was approved as a weed killer to be applied before planting, as well as for weed control in pastures and non-cropped areas. In 1996, Monsanto released the first "Roundup Ready" soybean crop that was genetically engineered to be resistant to Roundup. In 2000, when glyphosate became universal (and therefore cheaper), farmers applied about 90 million pounds of glyphosate. By 2014, glyphosate use had reached 240 million pounds. (3 , 4) As the number of GMO crops grows around the globe, glyphosate consumption is expected to increase.

Like other herbicide residues and pesticide residues, glyphosate and its metabolites can enter our soil, waterways, food made from processed crops, and meat and dairy products from livestock that fed on these crops. Glyphosate is even found in our urine.

Human epidemiological studies have found a correlation between glyphosate exposure and increased risk kidney failure, fertility problems, cancer, birth defects and more. While epidemiological studies alone cannot determine causation, these findings give us pause and motivate further research to explore the health effects of glyphosate.

Six damaging factors of glyphosate in your body

As a herbicide, glyphosate works by destroying EPSPS, the specific plant enzyme shikimate, leading to protein deficiency and possible death. Plants, algae, bacteria, and fungi have shikimate, but animals do not. Therefore, in theory, glyphosate was thought to be safe and non-toxic to humans, but mounting evidence is casting doubt on this initial view.

One overlooked but important fact is that the shikimate pathway is present in our gut bacteria and plays a vital role. immune system and general health. But that's just one of the ways glyphosate can affect animals, people, and even entire ecosystems.

1. Probable carcinogen

In 2015, 40 years after glyphosate was first approved, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer declared glyphosates "probably carcinogenic to humans" based on both human epidemiological data and studies in controlled rodents.

2. Gut Microbiome Destroyer

Glyphosate disrupts the shikimate pathway in our gut bacteria. Pathogenic strains of gut bacteria, such as Salmonella and Clostridium, were resistant to the effects of glyphosate, while glyphosate attacked beneficial strains such as Enterococcus, Bacillus, and Lactobacillus. Glyphosate may even compromise the ability of antibiotics to fight pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella. Gut dysbiosis has been linked to many health problems, including obesity, Alzheimer's disease, autism, ADHD, diabetes Type 2, Crohn's disease and IBD... just to name a few.

3. Cytochrome P450 Enzymatic Destroyer

At high levels, glyphosate inhibits key enzymes, including the cytochrome p450 enzyme, in human, plant, and rodent cells. Destruction of the cytochrome p450 enzyme has also been demonstrated in rodent glyphosate feeding studies. This class of enzymes affects many cellular processes, including:

• Foreign matter detoxification
• Synthesis and degradation of cholesterol and vitamin D3
• Convert testosterone to estrogen

4. Endocrine disruptor

Some research suggests that glyphosate herbicides can act as endocrine disruptors, chemicals that interfere with the body's normal hormonal signaling pathways. BPA is probably the most well-known endocrine disruptor on a growing list. Endocrine disruptors are insidious; they cause damage over time at very low levels, in contrast to acute toxicity studies conducted at high exposure levels.

Cellular experiments have shown that glyphosate-based herbicides affect estrogen and androgen receptors, as well as aromatase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. Glyphosate has also been shown to induce the proliferation of human breast cancer cells via estrogen receptors.

5. Mineral chelator

Glyphosate chelates minerals such as copper, magnesium, cobalt, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium and prevents the body from properly absorbing and using these minerals. Nearly a third of American adults and children are already at risk for at least one nutrient deficiency, and many of these minerals are enzymatic cofactors for normal cellular functions. Glyphosate has the potential to contribute to mineral deficiencies. Sufficient mineral deficiency can even lead to chronic disease kidneys.

6. Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs when the production free radicals or reactive oxidants (ROS) exceeds the body's ability to neutralize them. Sufficient oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, promoting development cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and other chronic diseases.

Rodents drinking glyphosate dissolved in water at the "maximum tolerable" level for three months had elevated lipid peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase, both markers of oxidative stress. Other in vivo and in vitro studies have also shown that glyphosate causes oxidative stress.

It is important to note that most of these mechanisms, while plausible in theory, have not been unequivocally proven in humans. But glyphosate is still in the testing phase and should be avoided whenever possible.

See for yourself: how to fish in the research sea

If you want to dive deeper into whether herbicides containing glyphosate are harmful to humans, take a look at the studies that are being done there. Fair warning though: this is a popular topic. If you search for research on "glyphosate toxicity", there will be about a thousand peer-reviewed studies.

When sorting through the dizzying amount of research on glyphosate, it's important to remain skeptical and address a few important questions:

Who funded the study?
Industry-funded research is more likely to produce favorable results and be more likely to be published. Glyphosate is no exception. Many industry-funded studies and reviews have found no health issues with glyphosate, while most of the studies that have suggested adverse health effects have not been industry-funded.

What was the duration of the training?
Rats exposed to glyphosate for 90 days may not have shown any health problems (although this is yet to be discussed), but when rats were exposed to glyphosate for longer periods of time, the results showed a higher incidence of mammary tumors and development of liver and kidney problems.

What kind of herbicide was used?
Glyphosate is just one of the ingredients in Roundup. Glyphosate herbicidal formulas also contain additional ingredients that increase the effectiveness of glyphosate. Some components of these enhancing ingredients, such as 1,4-dioxane, are known carcinogens. Chemicals studied individually cannot always predict how chemicals in combination affect the body.

What dose was delivered?
What happens after short-term exposure to high doses does not necessarily reflect the lifetime health effects of a chronic low dose. Endocrine disruption works this way - it doesn't generate a linear dose-response curve, and sometimes a low dose produces the opposite effect compared to a high dose! Other studies show the harmful effects of glyphosate when used at lower doses over a long period of time.

Recently, farmers have begun applying an additional dose of Roundup to wheat just before harvest, as a "pre-harvest desiccant". Some people wonder if their perceived gluten gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is really their body reacting to high levels of glyphosate. It's possible. However, many people with NCGS find symptom relief as soon as they stop eating gluten, but apparently still eat other glyphosate-containing foods like corn, soy, etc., which seems to disprove this theory.

If they are linked, it's probably through the gut and will go something like this: glyphosate can disrupt the gut microbiome, which can eventually damage the gut lining, which then allows gluten-related proteins to enter the bloodstream to the immune system. The system will react and become sensitive. In these cases, people would indeed find relief if they stopped eating gluten, but they would be sensitive to gluten proteins, not glyphosate.

One peer-reviewed but still contested paper proposes something very similar to this, arguing that both celiac disease and NCGS can originate from glyphosate. Regardless of the link between glyphosate and gluten problems, we have enough evidence to avoid it.

These herbicides have too much environmental impact

The effect of glyphosate extends not only to human health, but also to the environment. The negative impacts on the environment include:

• Development of glyphosate-resistant weeds leading to a further increase in the use of glyphosate and/or other herbicides
• Contributes to the reduction of populations of butterflies and bees, which affects the pollination of plants
• Toxicity to aquatic organisms including algae, invertebrates, fish and amphibians, potentially affecting entire ecosystems
• Threats to soil health and fertility

How to Avoid Glyphosate (and Other Toxins)

Unfortunately, glyphosate is just one of hundreds of toxins. environment that we encounter on a daily basis. We just don't know the long-term and environmental effects of lifelong cocktails of artificial chemicals.

When it comes to quitting glyphosate, it's simple: eat organic. Natural foods do not contain toxic herbicides such as glyphosate, contain fewer pesticides, and contain more micronutrients. Urinary glyphosate levels were lower in people who chose mostly organic foods.

Agree that the presence of weeds on the land greatly interferes with not only carrying out any activities with fertilizer mixtures, but also does not give time to safely care for the crops.

Phosphates, such as the herbicide Glyphosate, cope with the task, the condition of which is the elimination of weeds while preserving the vital functions of vegetable and perennial plants. The main thing is not to forget: preparations of this class are able to clean, or they can harm, increase the risk of weeds.

Description and properties of the herbicide

36% of the total composition belongs to the isopropylamine salt or, as it is also called, glyphosate acid. Its action is the elimination of living organisms. Another active ingredient is potassium salt.

Product release: form - liquid, weight - 20 l, capacity - canister. The action is total. In other words, Glyphosate destroys not only weeds, but also noble plants.

Hence the rule of use, which is considered the main one: processing can be done only before sowing. What period it will be, the agrarian should decide:

1. Early spring. After the snow melts, the soil can be cultivated with Glyphosate only if there are no vegetable or berry-fruit crops in the garden (garden, field). Otherwise, the substance will destroy them.
2. Autumn. After harvest, a herbicide is fine. It will help to remove the remnants of the tops, the root system of plants. And also serves as an excellent assistant in cleaning weeds.

The drug has a wide spectrum of action. In addition to eliminating weeds, Glyphosate has no-till technology.

It has properties that help prepare the soil for further successful planting and high yields. But here it should be borne in mind that in addition to a positive quality, a negative impact may arise.

Composition and mechanism of action

The chemical properties of the drug and the ability to destroy plants from the inside (growth blocking and tissue destruction) became possible with a unique formula recreated by chemists of the 21st century - C3H8NO5P. Glyphosate dissolves quickly in liquid: salts that are part of the instant.

Read also: Features of the use of the fruit formation stimulator Ovary: composition, dosage, benefits when using

The chemical properties of the drug can be classified as:

• arboricide;
• desiccant.

The mechanism of action occurs through the penetration of the agent through the pores of the plant, as well as through the root system. The expected result is the destruction of grass, trees, shrubs.

Many farmers use this quality for good: to dry cereal crops. That helps to speed up the maturation period. The blockage of enzyme production caused by Glyphosate occurs through the “shikomat pathway” (biochemical process).

As a result, the biosynthesis of all compounds (amino acids, phenols, phytohormones, flavonoids, lignins) stops. The chain is broken, which leads to the death of parts of the culture (ground organs, root system).

But such a biochemical reaction occurs not only in the plant body, but also:

• bacteria
• fungal spores;
• microorganisms of all kinds;
• ground.

It turns out that not only the negative flora perishes, but also the beneficial one. And this is an additional minus in the use of Glyphosate. Without a humus layer, it will be difficult to maintain fertility.

The toxicity of Glyphosate is officially classified as Grade 3. But recent studies have shown that low toxicity makes it possible to avoid poisoning by animals. But it does not prevent, but increases the risk of a negative phenomenon - pesticides.

Interesting fact! For the past 10 years, conservation activists have been opposing the use of all types of herbicides. Including glyphosate. The drug is already banned in Germany, France. The moratorium has been introduced for only 3 years.

Application Benefits

Starting the use of Glyphosate, not all gardeners pay attention to the negative aspects of the application. The effectiveness of the drug - these are the indicators for the acquisition and processing of your land.

Therefore, it is worth paying special attention to the positive and negative points. Especially if there are perennial cereals and dicotyledonous plants in the garden.

pros	Minuses
Leaves no traces in the lower layers of the soil. Therefore, it is allowed to use before sowing and before the appearance of young sprouts.	5% - damage to human blood cells when ingested
A small amount of consumption to create a working solution. High economy	2% - can damage DNA chromosomal aberrations
You can use mixing if necessary. But herbicides must have a base of 2.4 D	There is a risk of lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's)
The third class of toxicity. Does not pose a threat to humans and animals when sprayed. Does not harm pollinators
Ground method of pollination. For large areas - aerial spraying

Read also: Rules for the use of ammonium sulfate in the country: fertilizer composition, properties, dosages

Representatives of the manufacturer's company are trying to refute the negative points in court. On the territory of the post-Soviet space, Glyphosate is not forbidden to use.

Varieties of drugs

If you need to use glyphosate-containing herbicides, agro-food stores can offer a large number of preparations. Trademarks Strizh and Zeus, Agrokiller and Fighter, Napalm and Liquidator. But of the most popular and sought-after steel:

• Tornado glyphosate;
• Monsanto glyphosate - Roundup;
• Torch glyphosate.

These types can be sold in the form of a gel, liquid or granules. It is mandatory to dilute, taking into account the recommendations in the instructions for use.

The choice for application is made by the presence of the main component, which is always indicated in a conspicuous place. There are more than two dozen names.

Scope of use

Crops are susceptible to all preparations containing the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate. But weed control does not always end with a positive result.

The reason is drug resistance. Therefore, it is worth deciding on the names of weeds and plants for which Glyphosate is dangerous. Instructions for use focuses on this list:

• field sow thistle and nightshade;
• yarrow and mar;
• nettle and shepherd's purse;
• round gout and bluegrass;
• creeping buttercup and couch grass, as well as colza;
• dandelions and woodlice, quinoa.

Coniferous plants show resistance to all forms of Glyphosate. Also included in this list are thistle and cattail, gout and buttercup, bindweed and St. John's wort, burdock and reed, cow parsnip. The drug can not always remove them from the field. Especially if the plants lived in the ground for more than two years.

Calculation of dosage and consumption rate

The working fluid is calculated strictly according to the recommendations in the instructions. Each type of herbicide proposed above has its own dosage for application. The only thing that unites them: the drug is highly soluble in water.

Can be used for both annual and perennial plants. Consumption rates are different not only by age, but also by type:

Type and age	Drugs and norms
annual plants	List 1: Glyphos and Fighter, Graunt and Roundup are used per bucket. The added dose is 80 ml. But the 2nd list is small: Chistograd is bred differently: 3 l + 50 ml of the substance. Product consumption: 5-10 liters per 100 sq. m.
perennial crops	Increase in doses without fail. The first list: the amount of water is the same. Substances add 120 ml. The second list: the same amount of water. Substances - 75 ml.
Trees and shrubs	Without dilution, the drug is poured into the notches. Distance 5 cm. There is no single norm. If the tree is old, then it is recommended to pour in more substances

Destruction of weeds mechanically requires a lot of time and effort. Modern approach to the problem allowed the development of special agrochemicals, which in one application are capable of destroying harmful wild plants in a plot of any area. One of the first to be used was the herbicide Glyphosate against any weeds. This drug is popular all over the world; today, many agricultural products of a similar effect have been developed on its basis. But, like any chemical, glyphosate has its own characteristics, which should be considered when choosing the right herbicide.

Glyphosate appeared in the middle of the last century thanks to the work of the American biochemist John Franz. It was he who determined the herbicidal effect of the substance on plants. The patent for the molecule was received by the Monsanto Company from the USA, which released a unique product under the Roundup trademark.

Glyphosate has the formula C3H8NO5P, another name is N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine. The substance is a white crystals, odorless and highly soluble in water. This organophosphorus compound is contained in pesticides not by chance: phosphorus is very important in the nutrition of the plant organism, it is a natural and ubiquitous element in nature, and also retains a form available for absorption by plants longer than others.

For the production of herbicides, glyphosate is converted into salts, more often as active substance agricultural products is isopropylamine or potassium salt.

N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine is used to solve several problems:

• elimination of unwanted weeds,
• as a desiccant in agriculture for drying cereals in order to speed up their ripening.

Herbicidal action is aimed at suppressing the vital activity of most wild annuals, perennials, as well as some types of trees and shrubs. The drug can be used in the garden, in the fields and household plots. In cities and suburbs, the herbicide is used in recreation areas, adjacent areas, along railways and highways.

Operating principle

Glyphosate as a herbicide acts through contact with the aerial part of the plant. Getting into the tissues and cells of the plant organism, the active substance disrupts the biosynthesis of vital amino acids, phenols, aromatic acids, phytohormones and other metabolites. N-phosphonomethylglycine quickly moves from the top to the root system, destroying the plant from the inside.

Advanced modifications of herbicides based on Glyphosate contain surfactants and polyoxyethylenes to facilitate the penetration of the active substance into the weed.

You can determine the impact of an agrochemical within a week on the following grounds:

• leaf color changes to pale green and yellow,
• plant tissues lose turgor,
• gradual drying of the shoots.

Many perennial and annual wild herbs are sensitive to the drug during active vegetation. Among trees, deciduous species are more susceptible than conifers.

Glyphosate is a herbicide of continuous action, it destroys not only wild plants, but also useful crops. Therefore, the treatment is carried out before sowing or emergence of seedlings of cultivated plants. The seeds are not affected by the chemical.

If Glyphosate is in the soil, then its detrimental effect will also be exerted on the soil microflora. And this will lead to a decrease in soil fertility. For this reason, the herbicide is not recommended for irrigation.

Weed Species Susceptible to Glyphosate

Some annual, biennial and perennial grasses, as well as shrubs and trees, are susceptible to the action of N-phosphonomethylglycine. Different kinds plants show greater or lesser sensitivity to the drug:

Reaction to the active substance	Herbs		tree species
	Annuals, biennials	perennials
			Deciduous	Conifers
High sensitivity	· wood lice; bluegrass bent; nightshade; · quinoa; · colza; Shepherd's bag gauze white; awnless fire; · bristle; · pickle.	· spicy; swine; · dandelion; meadow fescue; · foxtail; field clover; · oregano, round syt; timothy, · nettle; · cocksfoot, rank meadow; mouse peas; · yarrow; · chamomile; field sow thistle.	· alder; · Birch; poplar.
Medium stability	burdock.	buttercup; bindweed; wormwood; forest geranium; St. John's wort; hogweed Sosnovsky; nivyanik; common reed;	· elm;	larch.

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of the herbicide Glyphosate is due to its undeniable advantages:

• extended range of application,
• the possibility of using before sowing,
• has no contraindications for crop rotation,
• economical in consumption
• suitable for steam processing fields,
• compatible with other herbicides based on dicamba and 2,4-D,
• does not accumulate in the lower layers of the soil,
• low toxicity to humans and animals.

Significant disadvantages include a negative impact on soil fertility. The substance destroys beneficial microorganisms that form humus. As a result of the use of Glyphosate, the absorption of iron chelates by plants is disrupted, as a result of which they accumulate in the upper soil layer, and this contributes to the development of erosion.

Glyphosate based herbicides

In 2000, Monsanto's Glyphosate patent expired. Therefore, similar products appear on the sale of steel that contain N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine. To date, there are more than 180 types of herbicides based on Glyphosate. But the greatest number of positive reviews received such agricultural products:

Name	Manufacturer	Concentration of active substance gram / liter	Preparative form
Roundup	Monsanto Company	360	gel, aqueous solution
Clearinghouse	Your household		water solution
Fighter	Amuragrohim
Typhoon	GK Agroprom-MDT
Santi	TPK Rosti
rap	RosAgroChem
Napalm
Liquidator	Euro Seeds
Zeus	Unitedkhimprom
glyfor	Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Company
Agrokiller	ZAO August	500	water concentrate
Tornado		360	water solution
Hurricane Forte	Syngenta	500
Octopus Extra	Schelkovo Agrokhim	540
Sniper	Green Pharmacy Gardener	360
swift		686	granules

In Russia, the most popular herbicide Glyphos. The content of isopropylamine salt in aqueous solution 360 g per liter, however, the composition is supplemented with surfactants to increase the effectiveness of the drug and reduce the viscosity of the solution.

The drug is produced in a variety of convenient forms at an affordable price:

• bottles - 50 ml,
• bottles - 120 ml,
• flasks -500 ml,
• ampoules - 4 ml for the treatment of small areas.

Instructions for use

How to use the herbicide Glyphosate, tell the instructions for use. The agroreparation is applied by spraying with a sprayer or special aerial installations from the air.

For treatment, Glyphosate-based herbicides are diluted with water. Processing is carried out once with a stable absence of precipitation and a temperature not lower than 15 ˚С.

The rate of herbicide Glyphosate depends on the type of weeds that need to be eliminated.

Application of glyphosate herbicides against annual weeds

To destroy annuals, you can use the following drugs:

• Ground, Roundup, Fighter and Glyphos are diluted 80 ml per bucket,
• Pure garden - 50 ml per 3 liters of water.

Spraying is carried out in the phase of active vegetation of the weed, when the length of the stem reaches 5-15 cm. Consumption - 5 liters of working fluid per hundred square meters.

Glyphosates against perennial weeds

To combat perennials, a more concentrated hydro solution is required to destroy their huge rhizomes:

• 10 liters will require 120 ml of Roundup, Fighter or Glyphosate,
• Purely bred 75 ml per 3 liters of water.

Processing is carried out in the same way as for annual herbs. In some cases, the treatment is repeated at the end of the season after harvest.

Glyphosates against unwanted trees and shrubs

Glyphosate herbicides are used to eradicate wild tree crops. Usually one treatment is done, but some hardwoods with moderate resistance to the chemical require a second treatment. There are several ways to use:

• Before processing, holes are made in the bark with an ax along the entire length of the trunk, a chemical is introduced there.
• The plant is sawn, a substance is applied at the place of cut with a brush.
• It is possible to inject the drug along the entire trunk with a distance of 5 cm.
• Small trees and bushes are best sprayed on foliage.

Impact speed

Complete death of the weed occurs in a month. Signs of the beginning of the work of Glyphosate can be observed within a week after treatment:

• annuals - after 2-4 days,
• perennials - after 7-10 days.

The penetration rate of N-phosphonomethylglycine is influenced by weather conditions: precipitation and low temperatures slow down its action.

Toxicity and safety measures

Numerous WHO studies in 2015 tried to prove that the use of glyphosate herbicides causes DNA mutation and contributes to the development of cancer in humans. However, as a result of reviewing the available findings, the European Chemicals Agency has concluded that N-phosphonomethylglycine is not carcinogenic or mutagenic. Glyphosate is classified as a Class III hazard. The active substance is low toxic for animals and humans. The herbicide harms plants and is more dangerous than other pesticides for soil microflora.

When working with agricultural chemistry, a number of protective measures should be taken:

1. Use means to protect the skin, eyes and respiratory organs.
2. Rinse thoroughly after treatment skin with soap.
3. Restrict access during processing to children and pets.
4. If vomiting, nausea and burning sensation occur, seek medical attention.

Terms and conditions of storage

The herbicide is stored in the factory unopened container for no more than 5 years. The agrochemical should be kept in a separate, dark, dry, ventilated area. The optimal temperature regime for preserving the properties of the drug is from -1 ˚С to 30 ˚С.

Glyphosate is a great alternative to mechanical methods of eliminating self-seeding on the site. However, before use, you should familiarize yourself with the features of the drug. To achieve the desired effect without harm to health, you must strictly follow the instructions on the package.

Very hard to deal with. And if these are perennial weeds, then it is almost impossible to destroy them: the roots of plants can go a meter deep into the soil. If at least a piece of the root is not removed, the plant will grow again. But for an amateur gardener there is a great helper - the Glyphos herbicide. Let's see why it is so popular in more than 50 countries, what it consists of and how to use it.

Composition and form of release

Important! is a herbicide of continuous action.

It is used: when planting, after harvesting, when using new plots of land, during planting of crops, for example, (applied 3 days before sprouts appear), when forming a month before planting seeds, along paths, when destroying pests around garden trees and.

The benefits of the drug

A small amount of phosphorus leads to the binding of arable land molecules with the herbicide. This drug is a competitor of phosphorus for binding earth molecules. The drug binds only to unoccupied molecules.

It is not necessary to plant seeds of horticultural crops immediately after cultivating the land with Glyphos. This herbicide has low activity in arable land: crops that are not treated with it cannot suffer from it.

Herbicide is steady against chemical influence, against sunshine, and also in the aquatic environment. It decomposes under the action of the sun and microflora. However, Glyphos does not accumulate in fish.

If the herbicide did get into the aquatic environment, then more often by accident: it was either washed into the water from weeds or when used (more often unintentionally) in the suppression of aquatic vegetation.
The drug can be carried over two to three kilometers. The drug decomposes mainly due to microorganisms.