WO1997036494A1

WO1997036494A1 - Herbicidal and plant growth regulant compositions and their use

Info

Publication number: WO1997036494A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/005577
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralph W. Magin; Joe D. Sauer; Dru L. Delaet
Original assignee: Albemarle Corporation
Priority date: 1996-04-03
Filing date: 1997-04-03
Publication date: 1997-10-09

Abstract

Glyphosate formulations which are effective even when employed at dosages below the dosage currently recommended for post-emergent herbicidal or plant growth regulant use are described. They are formulated as water solutions or powders or granules of (a) one or more agriculturally acceptable amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphonium, sulfonylamine, and/or aminoguanidine salts of glyphosate as the only herbicide(s) used in the forming composition; and (b) one or more water-soluble particular types of quaternary ammonium compounds as the only surface active ingredient(s) used in forming the composition. The quaternary ammonium compound(s) are represented by the formula R?1R2R3R4NOXO¿ wherein R1 is an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, R2 is a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R3 is a methyl or ethyl group, R4 is, independently, (i) an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, or (ii) a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or (iii) a methyl or ethyl group, and X is a chlorine or bromine atom.

Description

HERBICIPAL AND PLANT GRO TH REGULANT COMPOSITIONS ANP THEIR USE

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to glyphosate formulations which are highly effective even when employed at dosages below the dosage currently recommended for post-emergent herbicidal use against undesired vegetation.

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, is a well-known widely used herbicide. It is generally employed in the form of an agriculturally acceptable salt.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,401 to D. C. Young it is pointed out that although glyphosate is a very active, broad spectrum, systemic, relatively environmentally safe herbicide, its solubility in water at 25°C is only 1.2 weight percent and many of its homologs and salts are only slightly soluble or are essentially insoluble in water and organic solvents. Thus in practice, formulations of glyphosate salts with other components to enhance its solubility and its effectiveness are typically used.

Over the years a wide variety of substances, including surfactants, have been studied or proposed as adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness of glyphosate. For example, J. W. Kassebaum and H. C. Berk indicate in U. S. Pat. No. 5,317,003, that surfactants are usually employed to enhance the effectiveness of glyphosate when it is applied to the foliage of various plants, and that the most widely used surfactant in commercial compositions is an ethoxylated fatty amine. In addition, they refer to knowledge in the art that a particular surfactant used in an aqueous composition with a herbicide can enhance the effectiveness of the herbicide, whereas other surfactants have very little, if any, beneficial effect. They also note that some surfactants may exhibit antagonistic effects. As an example they cite the work of Wyrill and Burnside, Weed Science, Volume 25, (1977), pages 275-287 wherein, among other things, it was found that the surfactant ETHOQUAD 18/12 was relatively ineffective in enhancing phytotoxicity of glyphosate to hemp dogbane whereas in a separate experiment an analogous compound, ETHOQUAD 18/25, was one of the most effective surfactants tested. Despite the extensive studies and efforts devoted to improving the performance of glyphosate, a need exists for a way of potentiating the effectiveness of glyphosate salts such as the amine, sodium, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphonium, sulfonylamine, and aminoguanidine salts thereof by means of an environmentally friendly aqueous formulation made from as few ingredients as possible, especially if this can be accomplished by use of readily available, cost-effective materials while at the same time avoiding the inclusion of polyvalent metal-containing and metalloid-containing components in the formulation.

This invention is deemed to fulfill this need in an effective and highly efficient manner.

THE INVENTION

This invention involves the discovery, inter alia, that certain hydroxyalkyl quaternary ammonium halides are highly effective as adjuvants for increasing the phytotoxic and growth regulant effectiveness of glyphosate against a number of common plant species. Thus this invention makes it possible to achieve enhanced phytotoxic and plant growth regulant effectiveness in an aqueous solution formed from as few as two added ingredients, both of which are readily available in the marketplace. Consequently it is possible pursuant to this invention to employ the glyphosate herbicide in dosage levels lower than currently recommended. Also, the particular hydroxy-substituted quaternary ammonium halide adjuvants used in the practice of this invention are in themselves environmentally friendly. Moreover, the formulation requires no polyvalent metal or metalloid components in its formation. Indeed the preferred compositions are devoid of metal and metalloid additive content, and most preferably contain only the elements C, H, O, N, P, and Cl or Br, and optionally S. Moreover, the liquid concentrates are most preferably formed using deionized water.

The adjuvants of this invention are water-soluble quaternary ammonium compounds which can be represented by the formula:

R^R^N^® X^θ wherein R¹ is an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 (preferably 10 to 14) carbon atoms, R² is a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 (preferably 2) carbon atoms, R³ is a methyl or ethyl group (preferably methyl), R⁴ is independently (a) an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 (preferably 10 to 14) carbon atoms, or (b) a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 (preferably 2) carbon atoms, or (c) a methyl or ethyl group (preferably methyl), and X is a chlorine or bromine atom (preferably a bromine atom). In accordance with one of its embodiments this invention provides a method of controlling vegetation by applying to plant foliage, preferably by spraying, a polyvalent metal-free and metalloid-free solution containing an effective herbicidal or plant growth regulant amount of a composition formed by intimately mixing the following ingredients with water:

(a) at least one agriculturally acceptable amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphonium, sulfonylamine, and/or aminoguanidine salt of glyphosate as the only herbicide or plant growth regulant used in forming the composition; and

(b) at least one quaternary ammonium compound of the above formula as the only surface active component(s) used in forming the composition.

Another embodiment of this invention is a polyvalent metal-free and metalloid- free herbicide or plant growth regulant composition formed by intimately mixing at least a herbicidal or plant growth regulant amount of ingredients (a) and (b) above with water, ingredient (a) being the only herbicide(s) or plant growth regulant(s) and ingredient (b) being the only surfactant(s) used in forming the composition. Optionally, one or more substances that are not herbicides, or plant growth regulants, or surfactants, such as dyes, humectants, corrosion inhibitors, stickers, spreaders and thickeners, can be included as component (c) in these compositions.

Still another embodiment of this invention is a powder or granular herbicide or plant growth regulant formulation which comprises a mixture containing an effective herbicidal or plant growth regulant amount of a composition formed by intimately mixing together components (a) and (b), and optionally including one or more of (c) above. Such compositions can also be formed by evaporating to dryness (e.g., by spray drying, extrusion or pan granulation) a solution of components (a) and (b) above, and optionally

(c) above. Application of the powder formulations to vegetation as foliar dusts for effecting control of the vegetation constitutes another embodiment of this invention. It will be appreciated that to effect control of undesired plant vegetation pursuant to this invention, recourse may be had to herbicidal activity whereby undesired vegetation is killed and/or to plant growth regulant activity whereby the further growth of the vegetation is stunted, inhibited and/or slowed without actually killing all of the undesired vegetation treated with the composition.

The herbicidal (phytotoxic) and the plant growth regulant compositions of this invention include aqueous concentrates which can be shipped and stored until diluted with more water on site to produce the final solution for application to the foliage as by spraying. Likewise the herbicidal and the plant growth regulant compositions of this invention include the more dilute aqueous solutions for use in application to the foliage. These more dilute aqueous solutions are preferably formed simply by suitably diluting an aqueous concentrate of this invention with water (if a powder or granular concentrate) or with more water (if a liquid concentrate) to achieve the appropriate herbicidal or plant regulant dosage, but alternatively, can be formed on site by intimately mixing the separate ingredients or sub-combinations thereof with sufficient water on site to achieve the appropriate dosage. Use of the solid or liquid concentrates of this invention is preferable as it is a much simpler operation and minimizes the possibility of blending errors. Moreover, if desired, other components such as fertilizers, penetrants, spreaders, stickers, etc., can be introduced into the final solution at the time the concentrate is blended with water to form the diluted solution for application to the foliage.

Component (a) The identities and methods for the preparation of the glyphosate ingredient of the formulation are well known and are reported in the literature. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,758 to J. E. Franz which describes amine salts and alkali metal salts of glyphosate, and the production of glyphosate by such methods as the phosphonomethylation of glycine, the reaction of ethyl glycinate with formaldehyde and diethylphosphite, and the oxidation of the corresponding ammophosphinic compounds.

Another method involves conducting a Mannich reaction with phosphorous acid and formaldehyde on iminodiacetic acid followed by controlled oxidation to N-

(phosphonomethyl)glycine. Typically the amine of the glyphosate amine salts has a molecular weight of less than 300. A preferred amine salt of glyphosate is a salt formed with isopropyl amine. Of the alkali metal salts of glyphosate, sodium is the preferred cation. Inasmuch as glyphosate has more than one replaceable hydrogen atom, either or both of mono- and dialkali metal salts of glyphosate can be formed and used. The alkylsulfonium salts of glyphosate are described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,765 to G. B. Large, and analogous procedures can be used for producing alkylphosphomum salts. Of the alkylsulfonium and alkylphosphonium salts, the trimethylsulfonium salt of glyphosate is preferred. Sulfonylamine and aminoguanidine salts of glyphosate which are also suitable for use pursuant to this invention are disclosed in EP-A-0 088 180. The patent literature contains numerous additional references to various other methods for the production of glyphosate. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,851,159; 4,898,972; 4,937,376; 4,952,723; 5,061,820; and 5,072,033 to Fields Jr. et al.; 5,023,369 to Fields, Jr.; 4,853,159 to Riley et. al; and 5,047,579 to Glowka et al., as well as relevant references cited in these patents. Fields, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,403 describes a process for producing the alkali metal salts of glyphosate. Aqueous solutions of glyphosate salts devoid of other adjuvants are commercially available from Monsanto Company and these solutions are suitable for use in forming the compositions of this invention.

Component (b

Of the adjuvants of this invention two subgroups are preferred. One preferred subgroup is composed of the C_J0._1g (more preferably C₁₀.₁₄) monoalkyl methyl diethanol quaternary ammonium chlorides and bromides (more preferably the bromides), especially where the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group. The other preferred subgroup is composed of the C_i0__ls (more preferably C_10-I4) monoalkyl dimethyl ethanol quaternary ammonium chlorides and bromides (more preferably the bromides), especially where the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group. Tetradecyl methyl diethanol ammonium bromide and tetradecyl dimethyl ethanol ammonium bromide are particularly preferred because of the great effectiveness which they have exhibited in the test work conducted to date.

Methods for producing the quaternary ammonium compounds used in the practice of this invention are also well known and are reported in the literature. Typically they involve the quaternization of the appropriate tertiary amine by use of methyl or ethyl bromide or chloride. Suitable compounds of the above formula are available as articles of commerce. Table 1 sets forth general and preferred proportions for use in forming the water- soluble concentrate formulations of this invention. The percentages given in Table 1 are weight percentages, and represent weight percent of the total composition. The percentages for the amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphomum, sulfonylaniine, and/or aminoguanidine salt ("Glyphosate Salt") used in the practice of this invention as given in Table 1 are on an active ingredient basis and are in terms of glyphosate acid equivalent (i.e. , the weight of the particular salt-forming portion of the product is excluded from the weight of the salt). Likewise the amount of any water associated with the salt as received is excluded from consideration as regards the percentages of the Glyphosate Salt shown in the table.

Table 1

Ingredient General Range, wt% Preferred Range, t%

(a) Glyphosate Salt 0.1 to 65% 18 to 65%

(b) Quaternary Salt 1 to 70% 10 to 25%

Inert Ingredient(s) 0 to 20% 0 to 5%

Water Balance to 100% Balance to 100%

Table 2 sets forth the proportions which can be used in forming the powder or granular compositions of this invention. As in Table 1 , the percentages given in Table 2 are weight percentages on an active ingredient basis, and represent weight percent of the total composition. And as above, the percentages for the amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphomum, sulfonylamine, and/or aminoguanidine glyphosate salt ("Glyphosate Salt") used in the practice of this invention as given in Table 2 are in terms of glyphosate acid equivalent. Table 2

Ingredient General Range, wt% . P-ar-seafa-esrre-dsαn Rang "e, " w —t% "

(a) Glyphosate Salt 10 to 99% 75 to 98%

(b) Quaternary Salt 1 to 90% 2 to 25%

Other Ingredient(s) 0 to 20% 0 to 10%

The diluted solutions for application to the plant foliage are typically formed prior to application using a tank mixer, spray tank or similar apparatus. The dosage level of the composition applied to the plant foliage will depend to some extent upon the plant species being treated, the extent of control desired, and the prevailing weather conditions. Generally speaking, however, die amount applied will be a herbicidal or growth regulant amount within the range of 50 to 1250 grams of glyphosate (on an acid equivalent basis, i.e. , excluding the weight of the cationic salt associated therewith) per hectare. In terms of ounces avoirdupois per acre this range corresponds (on the same acid equivalent basis) to from 0.7 to 20 ounces of glyphosate per acre). In accordance with this invention it is preferred to employ a herbicidal or plant growth regulant amount (again on an acid equivalent basis) falling within the range of 200 to 830 grams of glyphosate per hectare which corresponds (on the same acid equivalent basis) to 3 to 12 ounces avoirdupois of glyphosate per acre), as this is generally sufficient to control most undesired plant species, is below the dosage currently recommended for herbicidal use of glyphosate formulations, and is thus more economical and environmentally friendly. On the basis of this disclosure and the new technology described herein, it is now possible to make departures from the foregoing ranges whenever such is deemed necessary or desirable in any given situation.

The following non-limiting Examples illustrate the practice and advantages of this invention.

EXAMPLE I A field test was conducted in which the effectiveness of tetradecyl methyl diethanol ammomum bromide (also known as tetradecyl methyl bis(2-hydroxyethyI) ammonium bromide) as a performance enhancer for glyphosate was studied. The test formulation consisted of the aqueous solution made from N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine isopropyl amine salt, water, and the quaternary ammonium compound. No other component or ingredient was employed in forming the test formulation.

The glyphosate used in forming these formulations was ROUND-UP® D-Pak

from Monsanto, which is a 62.0% aqueous solution of the glyphosate isopropyl amine salt in water with no other component therein. The control formulation was an aqueous solution of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine isopropyl amine salt and the commercial adjuvant INDUCE (Helena Chemical Company) which, according to A Guide to

Agricultural Sprav Adjuvants Used in the United States, by T. L. Harvey, 1992-93 Edition, Thomson Publications, Fresno, California, page 33 is alkyl polyoxyalkane ether, free fatty acids and IPA, which is an adjuvant currently recommended for use in glyphosate formulations. The control formulation was applied at the recommended dosage level of 15 fluid ounces of glyphosate (active ingredient basis) per acre (624 grams of glyphosate per hectare) whereas the formulation of this invention was applied at a dosage of only 10 fluid ounces of glyphosate (active ingredient basis) per acre (416 grams of glyphosate per hectare). Both solutions contained one percent of the particular surfactant used.

All tests were conducted at the same experimental test site at the same time, and were performed with four replicate tests for each composition, using randomized plots. Each plot was 8 feet by 15 feet (ca. 2.4 meters by ca. 4.6 meters) in size. Single applications were made between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on the same calm, sunny day with a relative humidity reading of 70% and an air/ soil temperature of 89 °F and 88 °F (ca. 32°C and ca. 31 °C), respectively. The application was made with a carbon dioxide pressurized back pack sprayer. The weed species populations were wild poinsettia (2-7 inches or 5.1-17.8 centimeters in height with 2-5 leaves per plant), and a combination of Johnson grass and barnyard grass (3-6 inches or 7.6-15.2 centimeters in height with 3-5 leaves per plant). The soil and leaf conditions were both dry at the time of application.

Observations of percentage of control in the test plots were made 4 days, 7 days and 14

* days after the application. No rainfall occurred in the first 24 hours after application.

Thereafter the rainfall (in inches and in centimeters, respectively) was 0.11/0.28 in the first three days after application, 0.06/0.15 in days 4 to 7, and 0.95/2.4 during week two after application.

Observations of percentage of control in these tests are summarized in Table 3. In Table 3 the results are shown in terms of their statistical significance within 95% confidence limits. Thus the symbol I signifies that the test formulation of this invention gave results that statistically were equivalent to results given by the control. In every case the glyphosate dosage level in the formulations of this invention was only a fraction (67%) of the glyphosate dosage level in the control formulation. Wild Poinsettia is designated as "WP" and barn yard grass and crab grass are designated as "BYG & CG" in Table 3.

Table 3 - Control of Plant Species Under Field Conditions

Plant Glyphosate Dosage, Result, 4 Result, 7 Result, 14 Species % of Control Dosage Days Days Days

WP 67% φ φ Φ

BYG & CG 67% θ Φ Φ

It will be noted that the quaternary ammonium compound potentiated the glyphosate such that equivalent control was achieved with but two-thirds of the amount of glyphosate.

EXAMPLE II Using the same procedure as Example I, the effectiveness of tetradecyl dimethyl ethanol ammomum bromide (also known as tetradecyl dimethyl 2-hydroxyethyl ammomum bromide) as a performance enhancer for glyphosate was studied. Table 4 summarizes the results of tiiese tests. In Table 4 the symbol 09 signifies that statistically the result was superior to that ofthe control, and the symbol u7 signifies that statistically the result was equivalent to that of the control. The symbol signifies that statistically the result was not equivalent to that of the control but nevertheless demonstrated plant growth regulant activity. "WP" and "BTG & CG" have the same meanings as in Table 3. Table 4 - Control of Plant Species Under Field Conditions

EXAMPLE III

Another group of field tests was conducted in the same manner as in Example I with the following exceptions: a) Barnyard grass and crab grass; red weed; sickle pod; morning glory; and hemp sesbania were the plant species tested. b) The tests were performed with three replicate tests for each composition, using randomized plots 10 feet by 15 feet (ca. 3.1 meters by ca. 4.6 meters) in size. c) The quaternary ammonium compound used was dodecyl dimethyl ethanol ammonium bromide, and it was employed in spray formulations in which the glyphosate concentrations were 1/3 (Formulation A) and 2/3 (Formulation B) of the recommended glyphosate concentration used in the control solution. Thus Formulation A was applied at the dosage level of 5 fluid oz. (209 grams of glyphosate per hectare) and the dosage level for Formulation B was 10 fluid oz. (416 grams of glyphosate per hectare). d) The applications were made between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm under weather conditions of 85°/92°F (ca. 30°/33°C) air/soil temperature, respectively, 75% relative humidity, e) Observations of % control were made 7 days and 19 days after application. Otherwise, the conditions and operations were conducted in essentially the same manner as in Example I. Table 5 summarizes the results of these tests. The following designations of plant species are used in Table 5: Barnyard grass and crab grass BYG & CG

Red weed RW

Sickle pod SP

Morning glory MG

Hemp sesbania HS

Table 5 - Control of Plant Species Under Field Conditions

Optionally, one or more other substances can be employed in the formulations of this invention provided no such substance materially detracts from die effectiveness of the composition in combatting the particular plant species to be controlled by use of the formulation. By "materially" in this context is meant that in tests conducted by concurrent application under identical conditions and using identical dosages of one or die omer of two (2) test formulations to a plant species in tfiree (3) identical pairs of test plots (each pair consisting of a Case I plot and a Case II plot) in the same substantially uniform test site, where in Case I the formulation of ti s invention does not contain such additional substance(s) whereas in Case II the identical formulation does additionally contain such additional substance(s), there is a reduction in the average percentages of d e plant species controlled in the three (3) Case JJ plots as compared to the average percentages of die plant species controlled in die three (3) Case I plots, and the aridimetic difference between tiiese averages exceeds 10% . Such other substances tiiat may be used if tiiey do not materially detract from d e effectiveness of me composition include dyes, pigments, humectants, corrosion inhibitors, tiύckeners, adhering agents (stickers), spreading agents, and like materials. Such otiier substances can be introduced into die formulation in any sequence relative to components (a) and (b) hereof, i.e., such materials can be added before, after or at die same time as either or bom of components (a) and (b). In tiiis connection, it will be recalled that the one or more glyphosate salts constitute(s) the only herbicide(s) or plant growth regulant(s) used in forming the compositions of this invention. Likewise one or more of the herein-described quaternary ammonium compounds constitute(s) the only surfactant(s) used in the practice of this invention. This ensures that the substantial benefits provided by this invention are realized in full.

The powder or granular formulations of this invention may be mixed with a finely-divided solid diluent such as talc, gypsum, Fuller's earth, kaolin, kieselguhr, bentonite, dolomite, calcium carbonate, and powdered magnesia. They may also be formulated as dispersible powders or grains, and in this case it is desirable to include a wetting agent to facilitate the dispersion of powder or grains in the liquid carrier. Additionally, formulations in the form of powders can be applied to vegetation as foliar dusts.

It is to be understood that the terms "ingredient" or "component" or "substance" as used anywhere in the specification or claims hereof, whether used in the singular or plural, are used in the sense that it is a substance employed in forming the powder or granular concentrate or aqueous solution, and thus at least prior to mixing with other ingredients or components and/or addition to an aqueous medium, the ingredient or component is in the chemical form specified. It matters not what chemical changes, transformations and/or reactions, if any, take place in the mixture or aqueous medium itself as such changes, transformations and/or reactions are the natural result of bringing

- the specified ingredients or components together as solids or in an aqueous medium.

Claims

1. A method of controlling vegetation which comprises applying to plant foliage a herbicidal or plant growth regulant amount of a polyvalent metal-free and metalloid-free composition formed by intimately mixing the following ingredients with water: a) at least one agriculturally acceptable amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphomum, sulfonylamine, and/or aminoguanidine salt of glyphosate as the only herbicide or plant growth regulant used in forming said composition; and b) at least one water-soluble quaternary ammomum compound as the only surface active component used in forming said composition, said quaternary ammonium compound(s) being represented by the formula:

R¹R²R³R⁴N^ΦX^Θ wherein R¹ is an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, R² is a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R³ is a methyl or etiiyl group, R⁴ is, independently, (i) an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, or (ii) a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or (iii) a methyl or ethyl group, and X is a chlorine or bromine atom.

2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient a) thereof is an amine or alkylsulfonium salt of glyphosate.

3. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient a) thereof is the isopropyl amine salt of glyphosate.

4. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl methyl diethanol quaternary ammonium chloride or bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

5. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl methyl diethanol quaternary ammonium bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

6. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl dimethyl ethanol quaternary ammonium chloride or bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

7. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl dimethyl ethanol quaternary ammonium bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

8. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient a) thereof is an amine salt of glyphosate and wherein ingredient b) thereof is tetradecyl methyl diethanol ammonium bromide.

9. A method according to Claim 1 wherein ingredient a) thereof is an amine salt of glyphosate and wherein ingredient b) thereof is tetradecyl dimethyl ethanol ammonium bromide.

10. A composition which comprises at least a herbicidally or plant growth regulating amount of a polyvalent metal-free and metalloid-free solution formed by intimately mixing the following ingredients with water: a) at least one agriculturally acceptable amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphomum, sulfonylamine, and/or aminoguanidine salt of glyphosate as the only herbicide used in forming said composition; and b) at least one water-soluble quaternary ammonium compound as the only surface active ingredient(s) used in forming said composition, said quaternary ammonium compound(s) being represented by the formula:

R¹R²R³R⁴N^eX^θ wherein R¹ is an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, R² is a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R³ is a methyl or etiiyl group, R⁴ is, independently, (i) an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, or (ii) a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or (iii) a methyl or ethyl group, and X is a chlorine or bromine atom.

11. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein ingredient a) thereof is an amine salt of glyphosate.

12. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein ingredient a) thereof is the isopropyl amine salt of glyphosate.

13. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl methyl diethanol quaternary ammonium chloride or bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

14. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl methyl diethanol quaternary ammonium bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

15. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl dimethyl ethanol quaternary ammomum chloride or bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

16. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl dimethyl ethanol quaternary ammonium bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

17. A composition according to Claim 10 wherein ingredient a) thereof is an amine salt of glyphosate and wherein ingredient b) thereof is tetradecyl methyl diethanol ammomum bromide or tetradecyl dimethyl ethanol ammonium bromide, or a mixture thereof.

18. A composition of Claim 10 consisting of the solution resulting from mixing said ingredients a) and b) with water.

19. A composition of Claim 10 with which has been added in any sequence relative to ingredients a) and b) thereof, one or more agriculturally acceptable substances none of which is a herbicide, or a plant growtii regulant or a surfactant.

20. A composition which comprises a powder or granular mixture containing at least a herbicidal or plant growth regulant amount of a composition formed by intimately mixing together the following components: a) at least one agriculturally acceptable amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphomum, sulfonylamine, and/or aminoguanidine salt of glyphosate as die only herbicide(s) or growth regulant(s) used in forming said composition; and b) at least one water-soluble quaternary ammonium compound as the only surface active ingredient(s) used in forming said composition, said quaternary ammonium compound(s) being represented by the formula:

R^!R²R³R⁴N^Φ X^θ wherein R¹ is an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, R² is a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R³ is a methyl or ethyl group, R⁴ is, independently, (i) an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, or (ii) a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or

(iii) a methyl or ethyl group, and X is a chlorine or bromine atom.

21. A composition according to Claim 20 wherein component a) is an amine or alkylsulfonium salt of glyphosate.

22. A composition according to Claim 20 wherein ingredient a) thereof is the isopropyl amine salt of glyphosate.

23. A composition according to Claim 20 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl methyl diethanol quaternary ammonium chloride or bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

24. A composition according to Claim 20 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl methyl diethanol quaternary ammonium bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

25. A composition according to Claim 20 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl dimethyl ethanol quaternary ammonium chloride or bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

26. A composition according to Claim 20 wherein ingredient b) thereof is a long chain alkyl dimethyl ethanol quaternary ammonium bromide in which the long chain alkyl group is a linear primary alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

27. A composition according to Claim 20 wherein ingredient a) thereof is an amine salt of glyphosate and wherein ingredient b) thereof is tetradecyl methyl diethanol ammomum bromide or tetradecyl dimethyl ethanol ammonium bromide, or a mixture thereof.

28. A method of controlling vegetation which comprises applying to plant foliage a herbicidal or plant growth regulant amount of a polyvalent metal-free and metalloid-free herbicide or plant growth regulant composition formed by intimately mixing together the following ingredients: a) at least one agriculturally acceptable amine, alkali metal, alkylsulfonium, alkylphosphomum, sulfonylamine, or aminoguanidine salt of glyphosate as the only herbicide(s) or plant growth regulant(s) used in forming said composition; b) at least one water-soluble quaternary ammonium compound as the only surface active ingredient(s) used in forming said composition, said quaternary ammonium compound(s) being represented by the formula:

R^!R²R³R⁴N^® X^θ wherein R¹ is an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, R² is a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R³ is a methyl or ethyl group, R⁴ is, independently, (i) an alkyl group having in the range of 10 to 18 carbon atoms, or (ii) a hydroxyalkyl group having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or (iii) a methyl or ethyl group, and X is a chlorine or bromine atom; and c) optionally, one or more agriculturally acceptable substances none of which is a herbicide, or a plant growth regulant or a surfactant.

29. A method according to Claim 28 wherein said herbicide or plant growth regulant composition is in die form of a water solution, and wherein said composition is applied to the foliage as a spray.

30. A method according to Claim 28 wherein said herbicide or plant growth regulant composition is in the form of a powder, and wherein said composition is applied to die foliage as a foliar dust.