The contents of three atrazine formulations are listed below. Ultraviolet spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic methods are available for residue assay. Atrazine is used to control grasses and broadleaf weeds. It moves up through the plant, and builds up in the margins of the leaves. Atrazine acts by inhibiting photosynthesis in plants.
Tolerant plants metabolize atrazine to hydroxyatrazine and amino acid conjugates.
Hydroxyatrazine is then broken down further by dealkylation and hydrolysis. Read the label for application restrictions. After growth begins, it should be applied when weeds are young and actively growing. Do not use near desirable trees, shrubs, or plants. It is not adsorbed as easily by soils with low clay and organic matter content.