Both Maleic Hydrazide and Glyphosate are widely used in agriculture, but they serve very different purposes. While glyphosate is known globally as a non-selective systemic herbicide, maleic hydrazide functions more as a growth regulator and shoot suppressant than a typical weed killer.
In this article, we’ll explore the difference between maleic hydrazide vs glyphosate, including their mode of action, primary applications, residual activity, and roles in modern crop and landscape management.
1. Chemical Profile and Mode of Action
| Attribute | Maleic Hydrazide | Glyphosate |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Growth regulator / sucker suppressant | Systemic non-selective herbicide |
| Chemical Group | Hydrazide derivative | Glycine derivative (organophosphorus) |
| Mode of Action | Inhibits cell division in meristematic tissue | Inhibits EPSP synthase (amino acid synthesis) |
| Translocation | Moves through xylem and phloem | Strong systemic movement in phloem |
| Primary Action | Suppresses unwanted growth, prevents sprouting | Kills plant by disrupting metabolism |
| Target Use | Sucker control, sprouting prevention | Weed control and vegetation kill |
Maleic hydrazide is not a traditional herbicide. It is a plant growth regulator used to inhibit sprouting, delay regrowth, and control non-lethal vegetation development, especially in crops like potatoes, onions, and tobacco.
Glyphosate, on the other hand, is used to kill weeds and unwanted vegetation entirely, down to the root.
2. Key Application Differences
Maleic Hydrazide is used for:
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Preventing sprouting in harvested crops (e.g., potatoes, onions)
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Sucker suppression in tobacco and tree crops (apples, olives, etc.)
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Controlling regrowth of grasses or shoots in non-crop settings
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Inhibiting weed seed germination or turfgrass growth (in some lawn products)
Glyphosate is used for:
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Broad-spectrum weed and grass control
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Pre-planting desiccation in row crops
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Non-crop vegetation management (e.g., roadside, fence lines)
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Invasive species removal in forestry and conservation
In essence, glyphosate eliminates vegetation, while maleic hydrazide regulates it.
3. Mode of Application and Timing
| Feature | Maleic Hydrazide | Glyphosate |
|---|---|---|
| Application timing | Applied before harvest or post-pruning | Applied to actively growing foliage |
| Contact vs Systemic | Systemic, but non-lethal | Systemic and lethal |
| Common Formulations | 30–40% SL (aqueous) | 41% SL, 62% SL, 75.7% SG |
| Frequency of use | 1–2 applications per season | 1–3 times per crop cycle |
| Use on edible crops | Yes (regulated pre-harvest interval) | No (only pre-plant or non-edible areas) |
Maleic hydrazide is often applied as a post-emergent foliar spray, usually 2–4 weeks before harvest, to regulate sprouting or regrowth.
Glyphosate must be applied to green, growing plants to be absorbed and translocated.
4. Residual Effect and Soil Activity
| Attribute | Maleic Hydrazide | Glyphosate |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Residual | Minimal to none (short-lived) | None (inactivated upon soil contact) |
| Environmental persistence | Degrades relatively quickly | Degrades within days to weeks depending on soil |
| Effect on replanting | Replanting is generally safe | Safe to replant after short interval |
| Use in crop cycles | Designed to work within crop cycles | Often used between crop cycles |
Both products are considered low-risk in terms of soil carryover, but maleic hydrazide is more often used directly on crops, while glyphosate is generally used before or after the cropping season.
5. Use in Integrated Crop and Weed Management
In many commercial agriculture or turf management settings, both products may be used complementarily:
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Use glyphosate to clear weeds before planting or after harvest
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Apply maleic hydrazide on crops to prevent sprouting or unwanted vegetative regrowth
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On turf, maleic hydrazide helps reduce mowing frequency by suppressing top growth
6. Safety and Regulatory Considerations
| Factor | Maleic Hydrazide | Glyphosate |
|---|---|---|
| Mammalian Toxicity | Low to moderate | Low to moderate |
| EPA Classification | Regulated as plant growth regulator | Registered herbicide (with active debate) |
| Food Safety Status | Approved with MRL limits | Pre-harvest interval required for crop use |
| Worker Safety | PPE recommended during application | PPE required, especially during mixing/spraying |
Both products are relatively safe when used as directed, but always require compliance with local regulations and labeling.
Which Is Better: Maleic Hydrazide or Glyphosate?
There is no direct competition between the two because they are used for different goals:
| Situation | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| Kill weeds, grasses, and broadleaves | Glyphosate |
| Prevent sprouting in potatoes/onions | Maleic Hydrazide |
| Sucker control in tobacco or tree crops | Maleic Hydrazide |
| Fence-line weed removal | Glyphosate |
| Regrowth control after mowing/pruning | Maleic Hydrazide |
Available Products and Formulations
We supply both products in stable, export-grade formulations:
Maleic Hydrazide
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30% SL / 40% SL
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Available for use in:
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Tobacco sucker suppression
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Potato/onion sprout control
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Turf and lawn maintenance
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Compatible with most spraying equipment
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Provided with: COA, MSDS, label, and custom packaging
Glyphosate
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41% SL / 62% SL / 75.7% SG
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Used for:
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Broad-spectrum weed control
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Non-crop vegetation management
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Pre-emergence crop field prep
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Supports: OEM branding, fast shipment, bulk contracts
Conclusion: Understanding the Roles of Maleic Hydrazide vs Glyphosate
When evaluating maleic hydrazide vs glyphosate, it’s not about which one is better—but which one is suitable for your agronomic goal:
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Choose glyphosate for vegetation elimination, fast knockdown, and systemic weed kill
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Choose maleic hydrazide for growth regulation, sprout suppression, and managing unwanted regrowth
Together, they represent two powerful solutions — one for removal, the other for regulation — and should be used strategically within Integrated Crop and Vegetation Management Programs.
Partner with Us for Herbicide and PGR Supply
We are a professional agrochemical manufacturer with strong capabilities in:
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Herbicide formulation and export
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Plant growth regulators (PGRs) like Maleic Hydrazide
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Custom packaging, labeling, and OEM cooperation
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Free samples available for evaluation
Contact us today to request pricing, COA, or registration support. We support bulk orders, container shipments, and long-term B2B cooperation across markets.
Post time: Mar-31-2025
