Glyphosate Isopropylamine Salt

Parameters of Glyphosate isopropylamine salt：

Mechanism of Action​

It inhibits 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in plants, blocking the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan). This disruption of protein synthesis in plants ultimately leads to wilting and death. As a systemic herbicide, it can be absorbed through leaves and stems, then translocated to roots and meristematic tissues, exhibiting significant efficacy against perennial deep-rooted weeds.​

Application Fields​

Core Use: A broad-spectrum non-selective herbicide suitable for non-cultivated land (e.g., railway and highway sides), orchards, tea gardens, and farmland (e.g., fields of corn, soybeans, cotton, etc., where it must be used in conjunction with genetically modified glyphosate-resistant crops).​
Target Pests: Controls annual and perennial gramineous weeds (e.g., barnyard grass, green foxtail), broad-leaved weeds (e.g., purslane, lambsquarters), and cyperaceous weeds. It also inhibits algae.​
Application Method: Mostly formulated as aqueous solutions (e.g., 10% and 41% concentrations) and applied via foliar spraying. It penetrates and is absorbed through the waxy layer on plant surfaces. Weeds begin to wilt 6-7 days after application, with complete death occurring within 2-4 weeks.​

Formulations and Combinations​

The common formulation is soluble concentrate (SL). Due to its excellent water solubility, it can form stable formulations without requiring large amounts of adjuvants.​
It is often combined with other herbicides (e.g., 2,4-D, dicamba, glufosinate) to expand the weed control spectrum and delay resistance development. A typical combined formulation is "glyphosate isopropylamine salt + 2,4-D dimethylamine salt".​

Safety and Storage​

Toxicity: Low toxicity, with an acute oral LD₅₀ in rats >5000 mg/kg. It has low toxicity to fish and birds but is toxic to bees (direct contact should be avoided).​
Storage Conditions: Seal and store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from fire sources, strong acids/alkalis, and food. Aqueous formulations should be protected from low-temperature freezing (which may cause demulsification).​
Precautions: It is harmful to non-target plants (e.g., crop seedlings), so drift during application must be prevented. Long-term single use may lead to weed resistance, so rotation or combination with other herbicides is recommended.​

Differences from Other Glyphosate Salts​

Compared to ammonium salts, potassium salts, etc., glyphosate isopropylamine salt has the following core advantages:​
Higher water solubility (150 g/L vs. approximately 100 g/L for the ammonium salt), allowing for higher formulation concentrations;​
Slightly higher absorption efficiency by plants, resulting in faster weed control;​
Better formulation stability, with less tendency to crystallize due to temperature changes. Hence, it has become the dominant glyphosate formulation globally (accounting for over 80% of the market).​