Bentazon

Bentazon is a selective post-emergence herbicide primarily used for controlling broadleaf weeds and sedges in crops such as beans, rice, corn, peanuts, and mint. It is a contact herbicide, which means it only kills the parts of the plant that it touches. Bentazon is available in granular, liquid, and water-soluble forms.

Chemical Properties

Bentazon is a benzothiadiazinone compound. It is a white crystalline solid with a slight sulfur odor. It is moderately soluble in water and most organic solvents. Bentazon has a low vapor pressure, indicating that it does not volatilize readily. It is stable under normal temperatures and pressures, and it is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment because it lacks the necessary functional groups.

Mode of Action

Bentazon works by inhibiting photosynthesis in target plants. It is absorbed by the foliage and transported throughout the plant. The herbicide interferes with the photosystem II pathway, disrupting the plant's ability to convert light energy into chemical energy, which leads to the death of the plant.

Environmental Impact

Bentazon is moderately persistent in the environment, with a half-life in soil ranging from 1 to 4 weeks. It has low to moderate mobility in soil, which means it has the potential to leach into groundwater, especially in areas with sandy soil or high rainfall. Bentazon is highly toxic to aquatic organisms, but it is not expected to bioaccumulate in fish.

Health Effects

Exposure to bentazon can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Ingestion can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health effects, including damage to the liver and kidneys.

Regulation

In the United States, bentazon is classified as a General Use Pesticide (GUP) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is also registered for use in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the European Union.

See Also

• Herbicide
• Photosynthesis
• Environmental Impact of Pesticides
• Health Effects of Pesticides

Bentazon Resources
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