Chemical profile and mode of action
- Belongs to the symmetrical triazine chemical class, categorized under HRAC/WSSA Group 5.
- Inhibits photosynthesis by binding to the D1 protein of the Photosystem II (PS II) complex in plant chloroplasts.
- Blocks electron transport, halting carbon dioxide fixation and generating reactive oxygen radicals that destroy weed cell membranes.
Labeled crops and weed spectrum
- Maize (corn): Highly tolerant to Atrazine due to natural enzymatic degradation via glutathione S-transferase enzymes within maize plants.
- Sugarcane: Applied pre-emergence or early post-emergence to manage broadleaf weeds and annual grasses in plant and ratoon crops.
- Sorghum (jowar): Used in seedbed preparation and early growth stages to maintain clean furrows.
- Controls aggressive weeds like Trianthema portulacastrum, Amaranthus viridis, Digitaria spp., and Echinochloa colona.
Application timing and soil moisture factors
- Apply as a uniform surface spray within 2 to 3 days after sowing maize or sugarcane before weed emergence (pre-emergence).
- Adequate soil surface moisture is critical for herbicide activation and root absorption by germinating weed seedlings.
- Follow CIBRC approved label doses, use flat-fan or floodjet nozzles, and avoid rotational planting of sensitive crops like pulses immediately following high atrazine usage.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is Atrazine herbicide primarily used for?
It is used for selective pre-emergence and early post-emergence weed control in maize, sugarcane, and sorghum.
Why is maize resistant to Atrazine herbicide?
Maize naturally contains enzymes that rapidly detoxify atrazine, preventing injury while weeds are controlled.
What is the mode of action of Atrazine?
It inhibits Photosystem II in plant chloroplasts, blocking photosynthesis in susceptible weeds.
Why is soil moisture important when applying Atrazine?
Moisture is necessary to dissolve and activate the herbicide in the topsoil layer for uptake by germinating weed roots.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.