The information in this profile may be out-of-date. It was last revised in 1996. EXTOXNET no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

Please visit the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) to find updated pesticide fact sheets. If you don't find a fact sheet related to your question, feel free to call 1-800-858-7378. NPIC is open five days a week from 8:00am to 12:00pm Pacific Time.





E X T O X N E T

Extension Toxicology Network

Pesticide Information Profiles

A Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University, Oregon State University, the University of Idaho, and the University of California at Davis and the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University. Major support and funding was provided by the USDA/Extension Service/National Agricultural Pesticide Impact Assessment Program.

EXTOXNET primary files maintained and archived at Oregon State University

Revised 9/95.


SODIUM CHLORATE


TRADE OR OTHER NAMES: The active ingredient sodium chlorate is found in a variety of commercial herbicides. Some trade names for products containing sodium chlorate include Atlacide, Defol, De-Fol-Ate, Drop-Leaf, Fall, Harvest-Aid, Kusatol, Leafex, and Tumbleaf. The compound may be used in combination with other herbicides such as atrazine, 2,4-D, bromacil, diuron, and sodium metaborate (1, 242, 205, 223).

REGULATORY STATUS: Sodium chlorate is not a restricted use pesticide. Check with specific state restrictions which may apply. Products containing the active ingredient sodium chlorate must bear the Signal Word "Warning" on their label (223).

INTRODUCTION: Sodium chlorate is a non-selective herbicide. It is considered phytotoxic to all green plant parts. It can also kill through root absorption. Sodium chlorate may be used to control morningglory, Canada thistle, johnsongrass and St. Johnswort (205, 207). The herbicide is mainly used on non-crop land for spot treatment and for total vegetation control on roadsides, fenceways, ditches, etc. Sodium chlorate is also used as a defoliant and desiccant for cotton, safflower, corn, flax, peppers, soybeans, grain sorghum, southern peas, dry beans, rice and sunflowers (1, 207). If used in combination with atrazine, it increases the persistance of the effect. If used in combination with 2,4-D, it improves performance of the material. Sodium chlorate has a soil-sterilant effect. Mixing with other herbicides in aqueous solution is possible to some extent, so long as they are not susceptible to oxidation (1)

FORMULATION: Sodium chlorate comes in dust, spray and granule formulations. There is a risk of fire and explosion in dry mixtures with other substances, especially organic materials, i.e. other herbicides, sulphur, powdered metals, strong acids, etc. (1). Marketed formulations contain a fire depressant (242).

TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS

ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND GUIDELINES

Physical Properties:

Exposure Guidelines:

BASIC MANUFACTURERS:

Drexel Chemical Co.
2487 Pennsylvania St.
Memphis, TN 38109

Wilbur-Ellis Co.
320 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94104

REFERENCES

References for the information in this PIP can be found in Reference List Number 10


DISCLAIMER: The information in this profile does not in any way replace or supersede the information on the pesticide product label/ing or other regulatory requirements. Please refer to the pesticide product label/ing.