| Application | MCPA is used as an herbicide, generally as its salt or esterified forms. Used thus, it controls broadleaf weeds, including thistle and dock, in cereal crops and pasture. It is Selective for plants with broad leaves, and this includes most deciduous trees. Clovers are tolerant at moderate application levels. It is currently classified as a restricted use pesticide. Its toxicity and biodegradation are topics of current research. One formulation is described by its manufacturer as designed for specific markets that require the safes possible phenoxy product, primarily for use in the Pacific Northwest. Though not extremely toxic, it has recently been detemined that MCPA can form complexes with metal ions and thereby increase their bioavailability, though there is also work being done to utilize this ability. |
