Active Ingredients and Dual Mode of Action
Calaris Xtra unites two complementary herbicide chemistries providing synergistic weed knockdown.
Mesotrione acts as an HPPD inhibitor, while atrazine acts as a Photosystem II (PS II) inhibitor, creating a powerful dual biochemical attack.
- Mesotrione Component: HPPD inhibitor (HRAC Group 27) blocking carotenoid biosynthesis, leading to rapid bleaching of weed foliage
- Atrazine Component: Photosystem II inhibitor (HRAC Group 5) halting photosynthetic electron transport
- Synergistic Bleaching: The combination destroys weed cell membranes faster than either molecule alone
- Maize Selectivity: Maize plants rapidly detoxify both molecules via natural cytochrome P450 enzymes without crop stunting
Target Weeds and Application Window
Calaris Xtra controls complex weed flushes that emerge during the early vegetative window of maize development.
It provides both foliar contact knockdown and residual soil activity, suppressing subsequent weed germination waves.
- Broadleaf Weeds: Trianthema portulacastrum (carpetweed), Digera arvensis, Amaranthus viridis, and Chenopodium album
- Annual Grasses: Echinochloa colona, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and Digitaria sanguinalis
- Application Window: Applied post-emergence at 15 to 20 days after sowing when weeds have 2 to 4 active leaves and maize is at the 3 to 5-leaf stage
Application Guidelines and Moisture Requirements
Ensure adequate soil moisture at the time of application to facilitate root and foliar absorption of both active ingredients.
Apply uniformly using a knapsack or tractor-mounted sprayer fitted with flat-fan nozzles for even ground coverage.
- Application Rate: Apply according to CIBRC label directions using 150 to 200 liters of water per acre
- Soil Moisture: Effective absorption requires moist topsoil; avoid spraying during extreme soil drought conditions
- Adjuvants: Formulated with specialized surfactants; follow manufacturer guidelines regarding additional wetting agents
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What are the active ingredients in Syngenta Calaris Xtra?
Calaris Xtra contains mesotrione plus atrazine, combining HPPD-inhibitor and Photosystem II-inhibitor modes of action.
What symptoms appear on weeds after spraying Calaris Xtra?
Target weeds exhibit distinctive white bleaching of leaves within 3 to 5 days, followed by necrosis and complete weed death.
Is Calaris Xtra safe for maize crops?
Yes, maize has natural metabolic tolerance to both mesotrione and atrazine, detoxifying the chemicals without crop stunting.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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