Chemical classification and photosynthetic inhibition
Atrazine belongs to the symmetrical triazine chemical family and provides selective systemic weed control through root and foliage absorption.
It binds to the D1 protein of Photosystem II (PSII) in chloroplast thylakoid membranes, blocking photosynthetic electron transport. Susceptible weed seedlings starve of energy, turn chlorotic, and die shortly after emergence.
- Active chemical: Atrazine 50% WP (wettable powder).
- Herbicide classification: HRAC Group 5 (Photosystem II inhibitor).
- Crop selectivity: Maize and sugarcane naturally metabolize and detoxify atrazine via glutathione S-transferase enzymes without suffering injury.
Target crops, weed spectrum, and application window
Atrazine 50% WP is registered for selective weed suppression in maize, sugarcane, and sorghum.
It provides long-lasting residual control against challenging annual grasses and broadleaf weeds during early crop establishment.
- Maize: Applied as a pre-emergence spray within 2 to 3 days after sowing before maize or weed emergence.
- Sugarcane: Applied pre-emergence over planted setts or early post-emergence in ratoon sugarcane.
- Target weeds: Echinochloa, Digitaria, Setaria, Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album, Boerhavia diffusa, and Trianthema portulacastrum.
Soil moisture prerequisites and application best practices
Adequate topsoil moisture is essential when applying Atrazine as a pre-emergence herbicide to ensure chemical activation and root uptake.
Applying Atrazine onto completely dry, cloddy soil severely reduces weed control efficacy and increases chemical loss.
- Moisture requirement: Apply onto moist seedbeds immediately after sowing or following a light irrigation.
- Spray equipment: Use knapsack sprayers fitted with flat fan or floodjet nozzles for uniform soil surface film deposition.
- Rotational crop precautions: Observe residual persistence in soil; avoid immediately planting sensitive broadleaf crops like pulses or mustard.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
ICAR - Directorate of Weed Research ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Which crops are approved for Atrazine 50% WP application?
Atrazine 50% WP is officially registered for weed control in maize, sugarcane, and sorghum fields.
What is the ideal application timing for Atrazine in maize fields?
It should be applied as a pre-emergence spray onto moist soil within 1 to 3 days after sowing, before crop and weed emergence.
Why is soil moisture critical when applying Atrazine herbicide?
Soil moisture dissolves the herbicide and moves it into the topsoil weed seed germination zone where it is absorbed by emerging weed roots.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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