By Jeffrey Derr, Ph.D. and Adam Nichols – Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads Ag. Res. & Extension Center

Glyphosate continues to be in the news, primarily because of the court cases concerning glyphosate and human health. There are still thousands of lawsuits related to glyphosate and human health (https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/roundup-lawsuit.html). In this article we discuss some background information on this herbicide as well as alternatives to this chemical.

A. What is glyphosate?

The glyphosate molecule is similar to the amino acid glycine. The chemical name is N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, a relatively small molecule compared to newer herbicides. It is the active ingredient in products such as Bayer’s Roundup PROMAX, as well as in generic products sold under a variety of trade names. Since the chemical is off patent (patent expired around 2000), other companies besides Bayer can sell this herbicide under their own trade name. Some examples of other trade names for products that contain glyphosate include Glyphosate, Gly Star, Glypho, and Prosecutor, among others, for terrestrial use. There also are formulations that can be used in aquatic sites, such as Accord, AquaMaster, and Rodeo.

Bayer does not market glyphosate to homeowners, only to commercial applicators. However, glyphosate is still available to homeowners, with one example being Hi-Yield Super Concentrate Killzall Weed & Grass Killer, which is sold in quart containers. Homeowners also can purchase the commercial formulations, such as Razor Pro, Prosecutor, Roundup ProMax, and Roundup QuikPro as there are no restrictions on homeowners purchasing those products. A disadvantage to homeowners is that the commercial products are sold in quantities often too large for homeowner needs, such as 2.5 gallon jugs which can treat 5 acres.

To add some confusion, there are products being sold that do not contain glyphosate but use the Roundup name and are primarily targeted towards homeowners. For example, there is Roundup for Lawns, which contains MCPA, quinclorac, dicamba, and sulfentrazone. These four herbicides are selective in lawns for general weed control compared to the nonselective herbicide glyphosate. There is Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate, which contains triclopyr, fluazifop, and diquat and is an alternative to glyphosate for weed control in driveways, along fences, and certain other areas. Roundup Dual Action contains triclopyr, fluazifop, and diquat, along with imazapic to extend the residual control.

Continue reading in Virginia Turfgrass Journal – https://theturfzone.com/vtc/?ascat=8&sub=issue&issue_id=9424&rti=true&rel=3