Bromoxynil

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

Bromoxynil is a herbicide that is primarily used for the control of broadleaf weeds in various crops. It is a post-emergence herbicide, meaning it is applied after the weeds have sprouted. Bromoxynil is a contact herbicide, which means it only kills the parts of the plant it touches. It is not translocated throughout the plant like some other herbicides.

Chemistry[edit]

Bromoxynil is a nitrile herbicide, which is a class of herbicides that also includes ioxynil and dichlobenil. The chemical formula for bromoxynil is C6H3Br2NO. It is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. Bromoxynil works by inhibiting photosynthesis in the target plants.

Usage[edit]

Bromoxynil is used on a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, barley, oats, flax, and sorghum. It is effective against a wide range of broadleaf weeds, including pigweed, lamb's quarters, and mustard species. Bromoxynil is typically applied as a spray, either alone or in combination with other herbicides.

Health and Environmental Effects[edit]

Bromoxynil is moderately toxic to mammals and birds, and slightly toxic to fish and invertebrates. It is not considered to be a carcinogen. However, it can cause skin and eye irritation in humans, and may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.

In the environment, bromoxynil is moderately persistent, with a half-life in soil of 1-4 weeks. It is not likely to leach into groundwater due to its low solubility in water and strong adsorption to soil particles.

Regulation[edit]

In the United States, bromoxynil is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is classified as a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP), which means it can only be sold to and used by certified applicators.

See Also[edit]

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Bromoxynil[edit]

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