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Pesticide guide

Atrazine

Herbicide Atrazine

Description

Atrazine is a selective systemic herbicide that is very effective at controlling both broadleaf weeds and some grasses in certain crops. The word 'selective' means it can kill weeds while leaving your crops unharmed, but only if you use it on the right crops. The word 'systemic' means that when you apply it, it gets absorbed into the plant and moves throughout it, killing it from the inside. Atrazine is most commonly used in corn fields, where it's very effective at controlling weeds without harming the corn plants. It can also be used on some other crops like sugarcane and sorghum. When you apply atrazine to the soil or spray it on weeds, it prevents them from growing by interfering with their ability to make food. It works especially well on annual broadleaf weeds and some grasses. One of the advantages of atrazine is that it has residual activity, which means it continues to work in the soil for several weeks after application, providing ongoing weed control. However, it's very important to know that atrazine can be harmful to the environment, especially to water sources, and it's banned or restricted in many countries. You must be very careful not to let it run off into streams, ponds, or irrigation water. Also, atrazine can damage or kill many other crops, so you must only use it on crops that are specifically listed on the label. Always wait the required number of days (usually 30-60 days) after application before planting other crops in the same field. Always follow the label instructions very carefully and wear protective clothing when using this product.

Application rates

General

1.5-3 kg per hectare

Application method

Foliar spray Soil application

Target pests

Broadleaf weeds Annual grasses Pigweed Lambsquarters Foxtail

Application timing

Pre-emergence: before weeds emerge. Post-emergence: when weeds are small. Check label for crop-specific timing.

Safety period

30-60 days before planting other crops in same field

Precautions

Harmful to environment and water sources. Banned or restricted in many countries. Can damage other crops. Avoid drift. Wear protective equipment. Do not use near water sources.

Crop compatibility

Corn Sugarcane Sorghum

Benefits

  • Selective action - safe for corn and sugarcane
  • Systemic action kills weeds from inside
  • Residual activity provides weeks of weed control
  • Effective against both broadleaf weeds and grasses
  • Useful for pre-emergence and post-emergence control
  • Cost-effective for large-scale corn production

Best for

  • Corn (maize) fields
  • Sugarcane plantations
  • Sorghum fields
  • Large-scale field crop operations

Usage tips

  • Apply before weeds emerge for best results
  • Can be applied to soil or as foliar spray
  • Residual activity means long-lasting control
  • Check local regulations - may be restricted
  • Avoid application near water sources
  • Wait required period before planting other crops

Storage instructions

Store in original container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Store away from food, feed, and water sources. Follow all storage regulations.

Mixing compatibility

Can be mixed with some other herbicides. Do not mix with alkaline products. Check compatibility before tank mixing.