What is the Difference Between Glufosinate and Glyphosate

Glufosinate and glyphosate are broad-spectrum herbicides. Herbicides, or weed killers, are chemicals that control unwanted plants. Selective herbicides target specific weeds, protecting crops, while non-selective herbicides kill everything. They’re used in farms, lawns, and even for managing invasive species.

What is the difference between glufosinate and glyphosate? Glufosinate has a contact mode of action, while glyphosate has a systemic mode of action.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Glufosinate  
      – Definition, Features, Use
2. What is Glyphosate
      – Definition, Features, Use 
3. Similarities Between Glufosinate and Glyphosate
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Glufosinate and Glyphosate
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Glufosinate and Glyphosate
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Glufosinate, Glyphosate, Herbicide

What is Glufosinate

Glufosinate is a herbicide produced by the Streptomyces soil bacteria.  It is also called phosphinothricin. It is a non-selective herbicide, and it affects the whole plant regardless of the point of contact. This makes it effective against a wide variety of weeds, including broadleaf plants and grasses. This chemical compound affects the soil the least.

Figure 1: Structure of Glufosinate

Glufosinate’s strength depends on its mode of action and its speed. It disrupts an essential enzyme in plants called glutamine synthetase, which is essential for processing nitrogen.  This quick action shows visible results within days, effectively stopping weed growth.

There are many uses of glufosinate. One is seen in pre- planting burndown. Glufosinate is used to clear the existing weeds, before planting. It is also used in post emergence control. It acts as a target weed killer for genetically engineered crops that can tolerate glufosinate. Another use of it is seen in crop desiccation. In certain instances, this compound acts as a dessicant that accelerates drying process of certain crops like potatoes.

What is Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a herbicide that is non selective. It contributes to minimal soil activity, mainly affecting the plants it touches. This allows for pre-emergence weed control before crops sprout and minimizes harm to established crops with underground root systems. It’s also used post-emergence on glyphosate-resistant crops (like soybeans and corn) to selectively eliminate weeds without harming the main crop. Unwanted vegetation is controlled and prevented in forestry by the use of this compound, too. It can be used for weed control along roadsides, railways, or industrial areas. Some formulations manage aquatic weeds in ponds or ditches.

Figure 2: Glyphosate

Apart from the benefits, there are certain concerns associated with glyphosate. One major concern is the growing problem of weed resistance.  The extensive use of glyphosate has led plants to build up weedicide resistance.

Similarities Between Glufosinate and Glyphosate

1. Both glufosinate and glyphosate are broad-spectrum herbicides. This means that they kill a wide variety of plants they come in contact with.
2. Neither herbicide lingers for extended periods in the soil.
3. Both glufosinate and glyphosate can be used on crops that are genetically modified to tolerate their effects.
4. Both herbicides help in pre-planting weed control.

Difference Between Glufosinate and Glyphosate

Definition

• Glufosinate is an herbicide produced by Streptomyces soil bacteria, while glyphosate is a non-selective systemic herbicide that is particularly effective against perennial weeds.

Type of Herbicide

• Glufosinate is a contact herbicide, while glyphosate is a systemic herbicide.

Time Taken to Act

• Glufosinate acts much faster, showing visible results within 2-4 days compared to glyphosate’s 7-14 day timeframe.

Weed Resistance

• Glyphosate is more prone to weed resistance than glufosinate.

Conclusion

Both glufosinate and glyphosate are broad-spectrum herbicides. They kill a wide variety of plants they come in contact with. The main difference between glufosinate and glyphosate is that glufosinate is a contact herbicide, while glyphosate is a systemic herbicide.

FAQ: Glufosinate and Glyphosate

1. Does glufosinate kill roots?

Glufosinate is a contact herbicide, meaning it mainly kills what it touches. Although not designed for roots, research shows it can damage them at high concentrations. For root control, other herbicides or methods might be more effective.

2. Can I mix glyphosate and glufosinate?

You might be able to mix glyphosate and glufosinate, but it can be tricky. Studies show mixed results, with potential for reduced effectiveness.

3. Is glufosinate harmful?

Glufosinate can be harmful if ingested or in contact with the eyes. It’s considered low risk for humans when used correctly, but misuse can cause serious health problems. It’s also very toxic to plants.

4. What does glufosinate kill?

Glufosinate is a weed killer, a non-selective herbicide for farms. It targets both broadleaf weeds and grasses but works best on young, actively growing plants.

5. How do you permanently kill roots?

Permanently killing roots depends on the plant. Here’s a general approach:

Cut the main stem: This disrupts the root’s nutrient flow.
Exhaust the roots: Apply herbicide or salt (repeatedly) to kill the root system.

Reference:

1. “Glufosinate‐ammonium: a review of the current state of knowledge.” Research Gate. 
2. “Glyphosate.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Glufosinate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Glyphosate” By Yikrazuul – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia