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GLUFOSINATE BASIC TECHICAL FACTS

What is the major difference between Glufosinate and Glyphosate?

The major difference between these two systems is that GLUFOSINATE is a

CONTACT herbicide meaning that it only inhibits plant enzyme central to plant
metabolism. It can only be effective where it comes into contact with plant

Well as

GLYPHOSATE is a SYSTEMIC herbicide, meaning that it trans-locates within

the plant itself.

What is Glufosinate-ammonium?

Glufosinate is a non-selective, contact herbicide. Glufosinate – ammonium as

the active ingredient of the herbicide chemical formulation is also known as
Phosphinothricin and often sold as an ammonium salt. It is a naturally occurring
broad-spectrum herbicides produced by several species of streptomyces soil
bacteria. It was first derived from cultures of soil bacteria Streptomyces viridochromogenesa
and was found to be active as a herbicide in greenhouse tests in 1976. The herbicide
irreversibly inhibits glutamine synthetase, an enzyme necessary for the production
of glutamine and for ammonia detoxification, giving this herbicide multiple
benefiting effects as an antibacterial, antifungal and herbicidal properties.
Phosphinothricin as a glutamine synthetic inhibitor binds to the glutamate site.
Glufosinate-treated plants die due to a buildup of ammonia in the thylakoid lumen,
leading to the uncoupling of photophosphorylation. The uncoupling of
photophosphorylation causes the production of reactive oxygen species, lipid
peroxidation and membrane destruction. When glutamine is reduced in the plant
and ammonia levels get elevated in plant tissues it halts photosynthesis and results
into plant death

What is Glyphosate Isopropylamine (IPA) the Monsanto contested herbicide

Glyphosate as the active ingredient of the herbicide chemical formulation is an
artificially synthesized N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, in the form of Isopropyl
Amine Salt” commonly abbreviated as IPA for trade specifications. It is an
organophosphorus compound specifically a phosphonate. It is synthesized by
reacting phosphorus trichloride with formaldehyde followed by hydrolysis to yield
a phosphonate. Glycine is then reacted with this phosphonate to yield glyphosate.
So, its name is drawn by s a contraction of the compounds used in this synthesis,
namely Glycine and a Phosphonate (Gly +Phos+ ate) yielding its common name
GLYPHOSATE
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For how long is Glufosinate-ammonium been in use?

Glufosinate-ammonium is a vitally important crop protection tool that farmers have used safely for 30
years to control weeds in over 100 crops. It is one of the most effective herbicides available for
treating weeds in orchards, vineyards and other herbicide-resistant crops such as soybeans, corn,
canola or cotton. Crucially, its distinguishing chemistry and ‘mode of action’ help farmers avoid weed
resistance.

What alternatives to using Glufosinate-ammonium does the farmer have?

Glufosinate-ammonium is an essential tool for farmers to maintain an economically viable business
while maintaining healthy crops. Alternative chemical treatments can be used in some circumstances
but these often affect whole plants rather than just the part of the plant with which they come into
contact, which would harm the crop. Alternative chemical treatments also tend to have a smaller
spectrum of control. Using mechanical weed control methods is usually considerably more costly and
not always feasible. 

Does Glufosinate-ammonium pose risks to human health?

Glufosinate-ammonium has been the choice of farmers for 30 years. During this period, it has
been evaluated by multiple independent regulatory authorities worldwide on a regular basis
and certified as safe in use when used according to label instructions.

Is Glufosinate-ammonium toxic? If so, is it safe for use?

In the European Union, Glufosinate-ammonium is classified for presumed human

reproductive toxicity, based on laboratory studies – for example, on rats – at doses impossible
under realistic and responsible conditions of use. Glufosinate-ammonium is not classified for
carcinogenic or endocrine disrupting effects.

Glufosinate-ammonium has been used safely for 30 years, and to-date, there are no known
cases of harm to humans when applied according to labelled instructions. This reflects, firstly,
that the dosage stipulated is far lower than the relevant safety thresholds, ensuring a wide
margin of safety for workers and others near the farm during and after application. It also
reflects the existing use of various measures – ranging from training on how to apply the
product in line with the specific soil and weather conditions of the farm, to use of
technologies to reduce exposure.

Furthermore, residues of Glufosinate-ammonium on food, if present, are at levels far lower

than safety threshold limits; an average person would have to consume more than 250 apples
in a single day in order to breach the toxicological safety threshold limits.

Is Glufosinate-ammonium considered as an endocrine disruptor? Or Does it cause

cancer?
Based on all the available information and studies, Glufosinate-ammonium shows no
evidence of being an endocrine disruptor. Additionally, it is not classified as carcinogenic.
The herbicide is safe to consumers, operators and the environment when used according to
label instructions.
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Is Glufosinate-ammonium present in our food?

The exposure of consumers to residues of Glufosinate-ammonium via food is estimated based

on the results of field residue trials conducted according to worst-case assumptions, including
the highest authorized application rates and the shortest authorized pre-harvest intervals.
Based on these tests, any traces of Glufosinate-ammonium that may remain on crops and that
are ingested directly by humans or indirectly as a result of consuming meat and milk from
animals that have fed on such crops are limited at stricter levels than defined toxicological
safety thresholds. Therefore, they do not pose a health risk. For example, an average person
would have to consume more than 250 apples in a single day in order to breach the
toxicological safety threshold limits.

How safe is Glufosinate-ammonium to the environment?

Glufosinate-ammonium has been rigorously tested through lengthy trials for environmental
safety over the course of 30 years. When label instructions are followed, it is safe to use. The
herbicide is not significantly active in soil and is rapidly degraded by micro-organisms in the
soil, making water contamination very unlikely. Risk to birds, bees, aquatic organisms,
earthworms and other soil organisms is also very unlikely when the product is used according
to label instructions. 

How are herbicides, including Glufosinate-ammonium, tested for safety during the
product development stage?

Before an herbicide is allowed on the market, the manufacturer must perform a thorough
safety assessment. This is a long and comprehensive process that involves many tests and
field trials. If a chemical is found to be an efficient weed control agent, it is then screened for
its safety in relation to humans, animals, and the environment. Toxicological tests and
environmental assessments examine any potential risks to health and the effects on soil, water
and air. Controlled field trials conducted in close-to-real-farm conditions take worst case
scenario levels of exposure into account to determine high safety margins. All data are
presented to the relevant regulatory authorities who review the findings, and make a decision
regarding the authorization of the product. This decision is based on a comprehensive
scientific peer-reviewed analysis. 

Conclusion.

 Glufosinate has been -subjected to all these testing and analytical procedures

 It is been scientifically certified to be safe in relation to humans, animals

 The environment Risk assessment scenarios conducted by European and other

national authorities worldwide have shown that Glufosinate-ammonium is safe to
operators, consumers, and the environment when used according to label instructions.