Bromoxynil

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

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

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

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

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

• Herbicide
• Pesticide
• Weed control