K. Thelen, Evelyn P. Jackson, D. Penner
Dec 1, 1995
Citations
11
Influential Citations
156
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Weed Science
Abstract
Hard-water cations, such as Ca+2 and Mg+2, present in the spray solution can greatly reduce the efficacy of glyphosate. These cations potentially compete with the isopropylamine in the formulation for association with the glyphosate anion. 14C-Glyphosate absorption by sunflower was reduced in the presence of Ca+2. The addition of ammonium sulfate overcame the observed decrease in 14C-glyphosate absorption. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was used to study the chemical effects of calcium and calcium plus ammonium sulfate (AMS) on the glyphosate molecule. Data indicate an association of calcium with both the carboxyl and phosphonate groups on the glyphosate molecule. Initially, a random association of the compounds occurred; however, the reaction progressed to yield a more structured, chelate type complex over time. NH4 + from AMS effectively competed with calcium for complexation sites on the glyphosate molecule. Data suggest that the observed calcium antagonism of glyphosate and AMS reversal of the antagonism are chemically based.