It is ideal for use in inland forests, where defoliation was not immediately required, but it persisted longer than agent blue or agent orange. An application of 3 to 5 gallons per acre on broad leaf vegetation and 5 to 12 gallons per acre for jungle control make is unfeasible for large scale military operations. When mixed with agent blue, a white precipitate is formed, so machinery and hoses must be thoroughly cleaned to avoid the precipitate. Agent orange was by far, the most used herbicide during the was. 40,295,000 liters were used from 1965-1970.
Agent orange is a reddish brown to tan colored liquid, soluble in diesel fuel and organic solvents.
Better coverage may be obtained by dilution with diesel fuel oil, for a less viscous fluid. It penetrates the waxy covering of leaves and absorbs into the plant, affecting the growing points, resulting in death. Broad leaf plants are highly susceptible and the application rate is 3 gallons per acre. Rain occurring in the first hour will not reduced effectiveness. Foliage occurs in a week or less, up to months depending on dose, age, susceptibility, and growth stage.