Glyphosate

How do glyphosate weed killers work?

Upon application, glyphosate moves through the plant from the point of contact into the root system. Once it effectively penetrates the root system, the plant will begin to die. The speed of this process will depend on the type of weed you are treating, your chosen glyphosate product, and the conditions – weed death may occur anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks post-treatment.

What form do glyphosates come in, and how do you use them?

There are three common formulations of glyphosate weed killer – liquid, granular, and granular capsule forms. Each option presents pros and cons and is suitable for use in different contexts.

• Liquid glyphosates should be mixed with water and sprayed directly onto the plant to cover the desired area, using a distribution method such as a pressure sprayer, knapsack sprayer, or high-volume boom spray, depending on your needs. Liquid glyphosate is often the easiest form to access, prepare, and apply, making it a common and suitable choice for most contexts.
• Granular glyphosates are small pellets that must be mixed with water and then applied as a liquid using a spraying device, just like liquid glyphosate products. However, the difference between these two options is the strength – granular glyphosate is often up to double the strength of the comparable liquid glyphosate product. Granular products are fully loaded with wetter, which leads to a faster kill time than their liquid counterparts. Granular glyphosates should be your herbicide of choice if you want to eradicate weeds very quickly or are dealing with particularly stubborn foliage.
• Capsule glyphosates are pellets injected directly into the trunks or stems of unwanted plants – generally trees and larger woody weeds – using an applicator. This ensures an effective, targeted kill without adversely affecting the surrounding trees and plants. Capsule glyphosate products are a fantastic option if you are looking to eradicate a specific plant in a dense area.

What strength of glyphosate herbicide should you choose?

Glyphosate is available in various strengths, each designed to cater to different weed control needs and contexts. Upon selecting your glyphosate herbicide, you will notice an array of strengths available, ranging from 360 to 800. Perhaps the most sought-after glyphosate concentration on the market is glyphosate 600, however, other popular choices include glyphosate 450 and glyphosate 540 concentrations. As a rule, the higher the number, the stronger the concentration of glyphosate in the product. However, it’s always important to consider other factors when selecting a herbicide, such as whether it is non-selective and thus will have a broader spectrum of plant eradication.

 Generally, higher strength formulations offer faster translocation into the plant and a shorter rainfast period, as they are usually derived from different glyphosate salts that have a smaller molecule size. This renders them the right choice for large areas or challenging weed problems. Lower concentrations may prove useful in smaller settings or as a first round of defence against unwanted plants before employing a more potent product.