Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL Herbicide Uses

Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL is a broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicide from the phosphinic acid chemical class, registered for use in India as a directed/hooded spray in tea and cotton. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the CIB-approved crop-wise recommended dosage.

Mode of Action

Glufosinate Ammonium inhibits the enzyme glutamine synthetase, which plants need to convert ammonia (produced during normal metabolism) into glutamine. Blocking this enzyme causes a rapid build-up of toxic ammonia in plant tissue, along with disruption of photosynthesis and amino acid synthesis, leading to fast wilting and desiccation of the treated weed foliage. It is a contact herbicide with only limited movement within the plant (not truly systemic), so thorough spray coverage of the target weed foliage is essential for good control. Because it is non-selective, it must be applied carefully as a directed or hooded spray that avoids contact with the crop's own green tissue.

Features & Benefits

• Fast, visible burn-down action on a broad spectrum of emerged weeds within a few days of spraying.
• Different mode of action (glutamine synthetase inhibition) from glyphosate and other common herbicides, useful for resistance-management rotation.
• Effective as a directed/hooded inter-row spray in established tea and cotton, keeping weed pressure down without disturbing the soil.
• No significant soil residual activity reported, allowing normal follow-up field operations after the label-specified interval.

Recommended Usage of Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL Herbicide

The table below gives the CIB-registered dose and water volume per acre. Glufosinate Ammonium is non-selective — always apply as a carefully directed or hooded spray onto weeds only, keeping the spray off crop foliage, stems and green bark.

Doses above are converted from the official label rate, expressed per hectare (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres), rounded to practical spray-tank quantities. Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL is registered in India specifically for tea and cotton as above — it should not be used on other crops unless specified on the current approved label. Always confirm the current pack label/CIB registration before use.

How to Use

1. Confirm your crop and the correct dose per acre from the table above before mixing — doses and the waiting period differ significantly between tea and cotton.
2. Add the required quantity of Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL into the spray tank filled with the recommended water volume, and mix thoroughly before spraying.
3. Fit the sprayer with a hood or shield, or use careful directed-spray technique, so that the herbicide contacts only the weeds between crop rows and not the crop's own leaves, stems or green bark.
4. Spray on actively growing weeds for best results, ensuring thorough coverage of weed foliage since this is primarily a contact herbicide with limited internal movement.
5. Avoid spraying in windy conditions, which increases the risk of spray drift onto the crop, and avoid application if rain is expected within a few hours; always respect the waiting period before harvest.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE — mask, gloves, goggles and full-sleeved clothing — while mixing and spraying.
• Glufosinate Ammonium is non-selective and will damage or kill any green crop tissue it contacts — always use a hood/shield or careful directed-spray technique, and never use as a broadcast/overall spray on the standing crop.
• Keep the spray well away from desirable plants, nurseries and neighbouring crops; avoid drift onto non-target vegetation.
• Do not use the same spray equipment for both this herbicide and other crop-protection sprays without thorough cleaning, to avoid accidental crop damage from residue.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food and feed, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling or spraying, and change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking.