When Roundup Isn’t Really Roundup: Clearing Up the Confusion

In a previous blog, we discussed triclopyr, which sparked many conversations about Roundup products now containing ingredients other than glyphosate. Many professionals have encountered clients with herbicide damage that looks more like growth-regulator injury rather than typical glyphosate damage. Even though a client might have used Roundup, it doesn’t necessarily mean they used glyphosate. Moving forward, it’s important to know that Roundup no longer always means glyphosate in the consumer market.

The Evolution of Roundup

Roundup has been one of the most widely used herbicides for weed control. It was first registered with the EPA in 1974, with glyphosate as its active ingredient. After Roundup’s patent expired in 2000, glyphosate started being sold under many different brand names. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, there are now over 750 products containing glyphosate. These products differ in salt carriers, adjuvants, and concentrations, and may be mixed with other herbicides.

Recently, Bayer announced that glyphosate would be phased out of consumer Roundup products. In its place, these products now contain different active ingredients, leading to confusion in the consumer market. However, it’s important to note that professional-use Roundup products still contain glyphosate.

Different Formulations for Different Uses

Within the consumer Roundup product line, there are many formulations designed for specific purposes. Some examples include Roundup Weed and Grass Killer, Roundup for Lawns, Roundup for Lawns: Crabgrass Destroyer, Roundup Dual Action Weed and Grass Killer, and Roundup Poison Ivy and Tough Brush Killer. Each of these products contains different active ingredients that target specific type of weeds.

Below is the breakdown for each of the consumer Roundup product line:

Roundup Weed and Grass Killer: Glyphosate

The original Roundup formula contains glyphosate as its main ingredient. Glyphosate is a systemic, non-selective herbicide, meaning it’s absorbed by the plant and spreads throughout its system, eventually killing it. Glyphosate works by blocking a critical enzyme in the plant’s growth process.

Active Ingredients:

Glyphosate – The traditional ingredient in Roundup that controls a wide range of weeds.
Pelargonic Acid – A contact herbicide that breaks down cell walls quickly, providing a fast burndown effect on weeds.

Roundup Dual Action Weed and Grass Killer Plus 4-Month Preventer

This formulation combines four different herbicides and is meant for areas where vegetation is limited, like sidewalks and driveways. It contains both post-emergent and pre-emergent herbicides.

Active Ingredients:

Triclopyr – A systemic herbicide, effective for woody plants.
Fluazifop – A herbicide that targets grasses.
Diquat – A contact herbicide that shows results quickly, especially on annual weeds.
Imazapic – Controls both grasses and broadleaf weeds, with pre- and post-emergent action.

Roundup for Lawns: Targeted for Broadleaf Weeds

Roundup for Lawns is designed for residential use, particularly to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Unlike traditional Roundup, it contains a combination of selective herbicides that target weeds without harming most turfgrass species.

Active Ingredients:

MCPA – Mimics plant hormones to kill broadleaf weeds.
Quinclorac – Effective against grassy weeds, especially crabgrass..
Dicamba – Disrupts the growth of broadleaf weeds.
Sulfentrazone – Targets nutsedge and has pre- and post-emergent activity.

Roundup for Lawns: Crabgrass Destroyer

This product is designed to control crabgrass and other grassy weeds in cool-season turf.

Active Ingredients:

Topramezone – Highly effective against both annual and perennial grassy weeds.

Roundup Poison Ivy and Tough Brush Killer

This formulation is made to tackle tough, woody plants like brush and small trees. It contains triclopyr, a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf plants with minimal damage to grasses.

Active Ingredients:

Triclopyr -Effective for woody plants and often used in invasive species treatments.

Trust Wells Lawn Care

Consumer Roundup products now contain various active ingredients tailored to specific weed control needs, which can be confusing due to the historical association with glyphosate. The Green Industry must be aware of these changes to better inform clients. Understanding the active ingredients and how they work is crucial for using these products effectively and safely in different environments.

Let Wells Lawn Care help you manage those invasive and woody plants! Visit Wells Lawn Care Monthly Packages to learn more and get started today!