Bensulide

Bensulide is a selective organophosphate herbicide. It is one of a few organophosphate compounds that are used as a herbicide. Most of the others are used as insecticides. It is used on vegetable crops such as carrots, cucumbers, peppers, and melons and in cotton and turfgrass to control annual grasses such as bluegrass and crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. It is often applied before the weed seeds germinate (pre-emergence) in order to prevent them from germinating. It is available as granules or an emulsifiable concentrate. Estimates place the total U.S. use of bensulide at about 632,000 pounds annually. Application rates may be relatively heavy (up to 22.6 kg/ha) when it is used. The EPA classifies Bensulide as a General Use Pesticide.

Application

Bensulide generally is applied to bare soil, before crops are planted. It is incorporated 1 to 2 inches deep in order for the control of grasses and broadleaf weeds in agricultural crops, residential grass lawns, and golf courses.

Uses

Proturk Goosegrass and Crabgrass Control (EPA Reg. No. 00053800164) and Anderson's Goose and Crabgrass Control (EPA Reg. No. 00919800176) both have Bensulide as one of their active incredients, along with oxadiazon at a concentration of 5.25% and 1.31% respectively. Bensulide products may be used outdoors by homeowners on lawns and ornamentals, and by professional lawn care operators. Bensulide may be used on turf (primarily golf course greens and tees), on ornamentals, and for greenhouse and outdoor uses in commercial nurseries. 550,000 pounds of active incredient are used per year, a relatively low value