Chlorpropham

Chlorpropham

Chlorpropham is a plant growth regulator and herbicide that is primarily used to suppress the sprouting of potato tubers during storage. It is also used to control the growth of weeds in various crops. Chlorpropham is a member of the carbamate class of chemicals, which also includes other pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

History

Chlorpropham was first registered for use in the United States in 1952. It was initially used as a plant growth regulator to prevent the sprouting of potato tubers during storage. Over time, its use expanded to include weed control in a variety of crops.

Uses

The primary use of chlorpropham is as a sprout suppressant in stored potatoes. It is applied to the surface of the potatoes after harvest to prevent the growth of sprouts. This extends the storage life of the potatoes and maintains their quality for longer periods.

Chlorpropham is also used as a pre-emergent herbicide in a variety of crops, including alfalfa, carrots, garlic, and onions. It works by inhibiting cell division in the roots of the weeds, preventing them from growing.

Health and Environmental Effects

Chlorpropham is considered to be of low toxicity to humans. However, it can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health effects.

In the environment, chlorpropham is moderately persistent and can leach into groundwater. It is toxic to some species of aquatic life, but is generally considered to be of low toxicity to birds and mammals.

Regulation

In the United States, chlorpropham is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets limits on the amount of chlorpropham that can be used on crops and monitors its use to ensure that these limits are not exceeded.

In the European Union, the use of chlorpropham was banned in 2020 due to concerns about its potential effects on human health and the environment.

See Also

• Carbamate
• Herbicide
• Plant growth regulator
• Potato

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