Some Orchard Herbicides May Be in Short Supply or More Expensive

By Robert Crassweller

The two main chemicals appear to be glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium. Fruit growers know the latter product labeled as Rely 280 and other proprietary names. Potential reasons for the shortage are related to the general shortages that are occurring in all consumer goods during the pandemic.

Some of those reasons include shortage of workers to unload tanker ships, less truck transportation from shipping ports to get both herbicide ingredients and finished products to manufacturers and end-users; and a lack of materials to make containers and shipping crates. Hurricane Ida also damaged a glyphosate production plant in Louisiana. A report out of Purdue also indicated that glyphosate prices may be in excess of $80/gallon.