Dual Active Chemistry and Complementary Modes of Action
Hitweed Maxx unites two distinct herbicide families: Pyrithiobac Sodium belongs to the pyrimidinyl carboxy class (HRAC Group 2 - ALS inhibitors), which blocks the enzyme acetolactate synthase, halting the synthesis of essential branched-chain amino acids in broadleaf weeds.
Quizalofop Ethyl belongs to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate group ('Fops' - HRAC Group 1 - ACCase inhibitors), which stops acetyl-CoA carboxylase, terminating fatty acid biosynthesis in grassy weeds. Together, they provide broad-spectrum weed knockdown without harming cotton crops.
- Dual-Action Chemistry: Delivers simultaneous systemic control over broadleaf and grassy weed complexes.
- Crop Safety in Cotton: Cotton plants rapidly metabolize the active ingredients, ensuring high crop selectivity.
- Micro-Emulsion (ME) Formulation: Sub-micron droplet size ensures superior foliar spreading, cuticle penetration, and rainfastness.
Target Weed Spectrum in Cotton Farming
Weed competition during the early 60 days of cotton growth can reduce lint yields by up to 40% to 50%. Manual weeding is labor-intensive and difficult during heavy monsoon rains.
Hitweed Maxx effectively controls stubborn broadleaf weeds such as Trianthema portulacastrum (carpetweed), Digera arvensis, Amaranthus viridis, and Celosia argentea, alongside aggressive annual grasses including Echinochloa colona, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and Eleusine indica.
- Broadleaf Control: Eliminates Trianthema, Digera, and other taprooted broadleaf weeds competing with cotton squares.
- Grass Suppression: Rapidly arrests growth of barnyard grass and crowfoot grass.
- One-Shot Solution: Replaces the need for tank-mixing separate broadleaf and graminicide herbicides.
Application Timing and Spray Guidelines
Apply Hitweed Maxx as an early post-emergence spray when weeds are at the 2 to 4 leaf stage (typically 20 to 30 days after cotton sowing). Ensure adequate soil moisture is present during application.
Use a knapsack or tractor-mounted boom sprayer fitted with flat fan or floodjet nozzles to achieve uniform spray coverage. Avoid spraying during extreme drought or when cotton plants are stressed by severe waterlogging.
- Optimal Weed Stage: Spray when weed seedlings are actively growing at 2 to 4 leaves.
- Soil Moisture Requirement: Adequate root zone moisture ensures vigorous weed uptake and rapid systemic translocation.
- Nozzle Selection: Use flat fan nozzles to produce even droplet distribution across cotton inter-rows.
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What active technical ingredients are in Hitweed Maxx?
Hitweed Maxx contains Pyrithiobac Sodium 6% + Quizalofop Ethyl 4% ME (Micro-Emulsion).
Is Hitweed Maxx safe for cotton plants?
Yes, cotton plants possess natural metabolic tolerance to Pyrithiobac Sodium and Quizalofop Ethyl, making it highly selective for cotton when applied per label directions.
At what stage should Hitweed Maxx be applied?
It should be applied early post-emergence when target weeds are at the 2 to 4 leaf stage and soil has sufficient moisture.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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