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Profluralin (Ciba-Geigy). March 1985 Herbicide (Tolban) Profile (PMEP).
From Pesticide Management Education Program at Cornell Univeristy.
profluralin CHEMICAL NAME: N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-a,a,a-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N -propyl-p-toluidine (56) TRADE NAME(S): Tolban 4E (58) FORMULATION(S): Emulsifiable concentrate 0.5 kg/l (4 lg/gal) (58). TYPE: Dinitrotoluidine herbicide BASIC PRODUCER(S): Ciba-Geigy Corp. P.O. Box 18300 Greensboro, NC 27419 STATUS: General use PRINCIPAL USES: Tolerant crops include cotton, soybeans, safflower, sunflower, seedling alfalfa, peanuts, dry beans, snapbeans, lima beans, southern peas, okra, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, transplants of peppers and tomatoes, fruit and nut crops, woody ornamentals, and certain species of established turf. Small grains, sorghum, corn, beets, and direct seeded tomatoes are sensitive crops (58). APPLICATION METHOD(S): Profluralin should be mechanically incorporated for maximum biological activity. Application and incorporation can be preplanting, postplanting, or at layby (58). I. EFFICACY Important Weeds Controlled: Barnyardgrass, panicums, foxtails, goosegrass, Johnsongrass, crabgrass, witchgrass, pigweed, Florida pursley, kochia, lambsquarter and others (8b). Broadleaf annual weeds from seed including pigweed, purslane, carpetweed, kochia, and lambsquarters are effectively controlled by profluralin. Foxtails, panicums, witchgrass, wild oats, wild cane (shattercane), stinkgrass, sprangletop, and crabgrass are highly sensitive to profluralin. Weeds which have demonstrated a moderate to high degree of tolerance to profluralin include groundcherry, jimsonweed, nutsedge, prickly sida, puncturevine, quackgrass, smartweed, ragweed, velvetleaf, and Venice mallow (58). Shallow incorporation of less than 2 inches may result in poor weed control. Provides season-long control but does not carry over into the next season. Kills weeds as they germinate. No post-emergence activity. More effective on grasses than broadleaves. Cultivation following incorporation does not disturb the activity of the chemical (8b). II. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES MOLECULAR FORMULA: C14 H16 N3 O4 F3 (58) MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 347.3 (58) PHYSICAL STATE: Yellow-orange crystals or deep orange liquid (pure compound) (58). ODOR: No appreciable odor (pure compound) (58) MELTING POINT: 32.1 to 32.5 C (pure compound) (58) BOILING POINT: Sublimes (pure compound) (58) VAPOR PRESSURE: 6.9 x 10-5 mmHg at 20 C (pure compound) (58) SOLUBILITY: 0.1 mg/l water at 20 C (pure compound) (62) III. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION OSHA STANDARD: None established NIOSH RECOMMENDED LIMIT: None established ACGIH RECOMMENDED LIMIT: None established TOXICOLOGY A. ACUTE TOXICITY DERMAL: LD50 = 3,969 mg/kg (rabbit), minimally irritating to the skin. Studies with rabbits have shown slight skin swelling and redness occurred after exposure for 24 hours (Tolban 4E) (24o). LD50 = >3,170 mg/kg (rat) (62). ORAL: LD50 = 2,700 mg/kg (rat, Tolban 4E) (24o). LD50 = c. 10,000 mg/kg (rat) (62). INHALATION: LC50 = >3.0 mg/l air - 4 hours (rat) (Tolban 4E) (24o). EYES: Moderately irritating on contact. Studies with rabbits have shown eye irritation and redness and swelling of the eyelids can occur (Tolban 4E) (24o). B. SUBACUTE AND CHRONIC TOXICITY: In 90-day feeding trials NEL was: for rats 200 mg/kg diet (c.13 mg/kg daily); for dogs 600 mg/kg diet (c. 20 mg/kg daily) (62). Lifetime feeding studies with high dose levels of profluralin technical have produced an increased incidence of hepatic tumors in mice (24o). Long-term exposure to low levels of the material is not known to cause any ill effects in humans (Tolban 4E) (24o). IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Behavior In Or On Soils 1. Adsorption and leaching characteristics in basic soil types: Profluralin is strongly adsorbed to organic matter and clay. Therefore, it is not leached through the soil or carried across the soil surface as runoff unless soil movement or erosion takes place. Even when minor erosion occurs, relatively little profluralin will be carried from the treated area if it has been mechanically incorporated into the soil. 2. Microbial breakdown: Profluralin is degraded by soil microorganisms. No specific organism or type of organism has yet been identified as being responsible for degradation. 3. Loss from photodecomposition and/or volatilization: Profluralin is subject to loss from the soil by vaporization and photodegradation. Rate of dissipation is most rapid when profluralin is applied to a wet or damp soil surface. A hot, packed, or smooth soil surface, wind, or strong sunlight may also stimulate the rate of profluralin disappearance. Incorporation is recommneded to reduce loss by photodegradation and vaporization. 4. Resultant average persistence at recommended rates: % Degradation Half life Location Soil in 6 mo. days Mississippi Sandy loam 70 90 to 160 California Fine sandy loam 74 90 to 120 Nebraska Silt loam 74 100 to 120 Texas Silty clay loam 75 80 to 120 Ohio Clay loam 82 100 to 120 Selected References Ellis, J.F. and J.A. Norton. 1976. Factors affecting the biological activity of dinitroaniline herbicides. Supplement to NEWSS Proc. 30:53-73. Helling, C.S. 1976. Chemical and physical properties of the dinitroaniline herbicides. Supplement to NEWSS Proc. 30:44-51. Parka, S.J. and O.F. Soper. 1977. The physiology and mode of action of the dinitroaniline herbicides. Weed Sci. 25:79-87. Probst, G.W., T. Golab, and W.L. Wright. 1975. Dinitroanilines. In Herbicides, Chemistry, Degradation, and Mode of Action. Ed. by P.C. Kearney and D.D. Kaufman. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York (58). General toxicity to wildlife and fish: No hazard to mammals and birds. Toxic to fish if placed directly in water. Due to the strong soil adsorption characteristics and application methods (soil incorporation), the possibiity of hazardous conditions to fish resulting from recommended usage is nil. LD50 - male bobwhite quail, >1,000 mg/kg LD50 - female bobwhite quail, >1,000 mg/kg LD50 - male mallard ducks, >1,000 mg/kg LD50 - female mallard ducks, >1,000 mg/kg LC50 - bluegill fish, 0.033 (0.025 to 0.045) mg/liter H2O (estimated over a period of 120 hr in a continuous flow proportional dilution apparatus) (58). LC50 (96-hr) is: For trout 0.015 mg/l; for bluegill 0.023 mg/l. It is practically non-toxic to birds but toxic to honeybees (62). V. EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES The chemical information provided below has been condensed from original source documents, primarily from "Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings", 3rd ed. by Donald P. Morgan, which have been footnoted. This information has been provided in this form for your convenience and general guidance only. In specific cases, further consultation and reference may be required and is recommended. This information is not intended as a substitute for a more exhaustive review of the literature nor for the judgement of a physician or other trained professional. If poisoning is suspected, do not wait for symptoms to develop. Contact a physician, the nearest hospital, or the nearest Poison Control Center. KNOWN OR SUSPECTED ADVERSE EFFECTS: Slightly to moderately irritating to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Does not uncouple oxidative phosphorylation (25). Irritation of eyes, skin, nose or throat may result from overexposure to Tolban 4E. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps or diarrhea (Tolban 4E) (24o). Irritation of eyes, skin, nose or throat may result from overexposure to Tolban 4E. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps or diarrhea (Tolban 4E) (24o). In large doses in rats ataxia, decreased limb tone, decreased respiratory rate, salivation, hyperactivity, diarrhea, prostration, dypsnea (58). SKIN CONTACT: WASH contaminated SKIN with soap and water (25). INGESTION: Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious, give water to drink. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician or the nearest Poison Control Center immediately (Tolban 4E) (24o). INGESTIONS of SMALL amounts (less than 10 mg/kg body weight) occurring less than an hour before treatment, are probably best treated by: A. SYRUP OF IPECAC, followed by 1-2 glasses of water. Dose for adults and children over 12 years: 30 ml. Dose for children under 12 years: : 15 ml. B. ACTIVATED CHARCOAL, administer 30-50 gm as a slurry in tap water, after vomiting stops. C. SODIUM or MAGNESIUM SULFATE, 0.25 gm/kg in tap water, as a cathartic (25). INHALATION: Remove from contaminated atmosphere. If symptoms appear or person is unconscious, get medical attention (24o). EYE CONTACT: FLUSH contaminated EYES with copious amounts of fresh water for 15 minutes (25). NOTES TO PHYSICIAN: INGESTIONS of LARGE amounts (more than 10 mg/kg) occurring less than an hour before treatment, should probably be treated by gastric lavage: A. INTUBATE stomach and ASPIRATE contents. B. LAVAGE stomach with slurry of ACTIVATED CHARCOAL IN 0.9% saline. Leave 30-50 gm activated charcoal in the stomach before withdrawing tube. C. SODIUM SULFATE, 0.25 gm/kg in tap water, as a cathartic. CAUTION: Hydrocarbons (kerosene, petroleum distillates) are included in some formulations of these chemicals. Ingestion of very LARGE AMOUNTS may cause CNS depression. In this case, IPECAC IS CONTRAINDICATED. Also, gastric intubation incurs a risk of HYDROCARBON PNEUMONITIS. For this reason observe the following precautions: (1) If the victim is unconscious or obtunded and facilities are at hand, insert an ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE (cuffed, if available) prior to gastric intubation. (2) Keep victim's HEAD BELOW LEVEL OF STOMACH during intubation and lavage (Trendelenburg, or left lateral decubitus, with head of table tipped downward). Keep victim's head turned to the left. (3) ASPIRATE PHARYNX as regularly as possible to remove gagged or vomited stomach contents. INGESTIONS occurring MORE THAN an HOUR before treatment are probably best treated only by ACTIVATED CHARCOAL, 30-50 gm, and SODIUM or MAGNESIUM SULFATE, 0.25 gm/kg, as described above. There are no specific antidotes for these chemicals. Because manifestations of toxicity do occasionally occur in peculiarly predisposed individuals, MAINTAIN CONTACT with victim for at least 72 hours so that unexpected adverse effects can be treated promptly (25). VI. FIRE AND EXPLOSION INFORMATION GENERAL: Flash point 104 plus or minus 3 F (TCC, Tolban 4E). As in any fire, prevent human exposure to fire, smoke, fumes or products of combustion. Evacuate nonessential personnel from the area. Firefighters should wear impervious clothing such as gloves, hoods, suits and rubber boots. Use of contaminated buildings, area and equipment must be prevented until they are properly decontaminated (Tolban 4E) (24o). EXTINGUISHER TYPE: Use standard chemical firefighting techniques in extinguishing fires involving this material - use dry chemcals, foam or carbon dioxide (Tolban 4E) (24o). VII. COMPATIBILITY No known incompatibilities exist with hard water or other pesticides: Profluralin has exhibited good to excellent mixing properties with 30 and 33% liquid nitrogen fertilizer and with the following fertilizer blends: 4-12-24; 2-6-12; 5-15-25; 4-12-20; and 4-8-12. Profluralin does not mix well with 10-34-0 fertilizers. Vigorous agitation is required to prevent profluralin from separating from 10-34-0 fertilizer. Profluralin may be applied with certain dry bulk fertilizer mixtures. Profluralin is noncorosive (58). VIII. PROTECTIVE MEASURES STORAGE AND HANDLING: Keep this material out of the reach of children. Containers must be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated area. Store away from foodstuffs. All food must be kept in a separate area away from the storage/use location. Eating, drinking, and smoking should be prevented in areas where there is a potential for exposure to this material (Tolban 4E) (24o). PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Skin contact with the product should be prevented through the use of rubber gloves and clothing consistent with good pesticide handling practice. Eye contact with the product should be avoided through the use of chemical safety glasses or goggles (Tolban 4E) (24o). PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: This material should be handled in a well ventilated area. Where adequate ventilation is not available and exposure to excessive mist could occur, wear a Conflo II (MSA) or other approved pesticide respirator (Tolban 4E) (24o). IX. PROCEDURES FOR SPILLS AND LEAKS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL, DAY OR NIGHT (800) 424-9300 PESTICIDE TEAM SAFETY NETWORK/CHEMTREC Make sure all personnel invovled in spill cleanup follow good industrial hygiene practices. Small spills can be handled routinely. Cover the spill with an absorbent material such as vermiculite, lime, or sawdust to prevent dust. Sweep up the material and place in an appropriate chemical waste container. Seal container and dispose of in an approved landfill. Wash the spill area with a saturated solution of sodium carbonate and a strong detergent. Flush the spill area with water to remove any residue. Do not reuse container. Destroy by perforation or crushing and burying in a safe place. Disposal of material, spill residues, wash water and containers must be by methods consistent with local, state and federal health and environmental regulations (24o). X. LITERATURE CITED 8b. Thomson, W.T. 1981. Agricultural chemicals - book 2: herbicides. Revised ed. Thomson Publications, Fresno, CA. 274 pp. 24o. Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Agricultural Division. 1982. Safety data sheet: Tolban 4E. Greensboro, NC. 25. Morgan, D.P. 1982. Recognition and management of pesticide poisonings, 3rd ed. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. 120 pp. 56. Farm Chemicals Handbook, 70th ed. 1984. R. T. Meister, G. L. Berg, C. Sine, S. Meister, and J. Poplyk, eds. Meister Publishing Co., Willoughby, OH. 58. Weed Science Society of America, Herbicide Handbook Committee. 1983. Herbicide handbook of the weed science society of America, 5th ed. Weed Science Society of America, Champaign, IL. 515 pp. 62. The Pesticide Manual: A World Compendium, 7th ed. 1983. C.R. Worthing, ed. The British Crop Protection Council, Croydon, England. 695 pp. 3/18/85
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