Description | Mepiquat chloride (N, N-dimethylpiperidinium chloride), well known as PIX, is a potential systemic plant growth regulator. It is applied in cereals including wheat, oats, barley, rye, triticale and is extensively used in the cotton production. It is intended to increase yield by inhibiting gibberellic acid synthesis. The use of mepiquat chloride results in a shorter and more compact plant, lower leaf area index due to smaller leaf size and earlier maturity. |
References | [1] X. Ren, L. Zhang, M. Du, J. Evers, W. van der Werf, X Tian and Z. Li, Managing mepiquat chloride and plant density for optimal yield and quality of cotton, Field Crops Research, 2013, vol. 149, 1-10 [2] Amarjit Basra, Plant Growth Regulators in Agriculture and Horticulture: Their Role and Commercial Use, 2000 |
Chemical Properties | White crystalline solid, off-white powder, or pinkish liquid. Slightly sweet, musty odor; |
Uses | Plant growth regulator. |
Definition | ChEBI: A quaternary ammonium salt consisting of equimolar amounts of mepiquat cations and chloride anions. A plant growth regulator, it is used in agriculture to reduce vegetative growth including sprout suppression in garlic, leeks and onions. |
Hazard | Moderately toxic by ingestion. Low toxicity by inhalation and skin contact. |
Agricultural Uses | Herbicide, Plant growth regulator: Registered solely for cotton, to control the growth and yield. |
Trade name | BAS 083 01 W®; BAS 85559X®; MEPEX®; MEPICHLOR®; MEPPLUS®; PIX®; PONNAX®; ROQUAT®; TERPAL® (with Ethephon) |
Potential Exposure | A quarternary ammonium salt herbicide and plant growth regulator registered solely for use on cotton, to control growth and yield |
Shipping | UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required |
Incompatibilities | Decomposes in temperatures above 320ºC. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. |
Waste Disposal | Do not discharge into drains or sewers. Dispose of waste material as hazardous waste using a licensed disposal contractor to an approved landfill. Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Incineration with effluent gas scrubbing is recommended. In accordance with 40CFR165, follow recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Noncombustible containers should be compacted and buried under more than 16 in/40 cm. of soil. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office. |