Herbicides

Glyphosate is an organophosphorus compound and a systemic non-selective herbicide. Its primary function is blocking the synthesis of vital aromatic amino acids within plant cells.

The active substance penetrates the plant through aerial parts, primarily leaves, and rapidly moves via the phloem to growth points, roots, and rhizomes.

The inhibition mechanism is based on targeting the EPSPS enzyme (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase), which halts weed development at the biochemical level.

As a result of this exposure, cell division stops, and the plant gradually turns yellow, withers, and eventually dies completely, including its developed root system.

The speed of visual symptoms depends on the weed species, its developmental stage, and weather conditions, typically ranging from 5 to 14 days.

Glyphosate effectively eliminates a wide spectrum of annual and perennial grasses, as well as broad-leaved weed species.

The compound is particularly valuable in controlling persistent deep-rooted weeds, such as couch grass, field thistle, field bindweed, and creeping thistle.

The herbicide is utilized for clearing fallow fields, orchard and vineyard inter-rows, and on non-agricultural lands.

The product is widely used for pre-sowing soil preparation and pre-emergence treatment of crops to eliminate established weeds.

The substance is also effectively used as a desiccant before harvesting grain and oilseed crops to dry out weeds.

Application rates range from 2 to 8 liters per hectare, depending on the active substance concentration in the specific formulation and the level of weed infestation.

When treating perennial weeds, higher application rates are recommended to ensure the complete death of deep rhizomes.

The optimal time for application is during the period of active weed growth, when nutrients are moving intensively toward the roots, ensuring better herbicide transport.

It is important to avoid application during drought or significant temperature stress, as plant metabolism slows down, reducing treatment efficiency.

Precipitation occurring a few hours after spraying may reduce effectiveness, as the active substance does not have enough time to be fully absorbed by tissues.

Glyphosate lacks selectivity; therefore, it is crucial to avoid any drift of the spray solution onto desirable crop plants during treatment.

Mechanical soil cultivation (such as plowing or tilling) is not recommended earlier than 5–10 days after herbicide application.

The use of personal protective equipment for skin and respiratory protection is mandatory, as the substance requires careful handling.

Long-term and repeated use of glyphosate on the same fields can provoke the development of resistant weed populations.

Disposal of containers and product residues must be carried out in accordance with local environmental regulations to prevent contamination of water bodies.