Chemical Class and Mode of Action
Imazethapyr combines foliar uptake with root absorption to provide comprehensive weed kill.
Key biochemical attributes:
- Active ingredient: Imazethapyr formulated at 10% SL (soluble liquid) concentration.
- Chemical class: Imidazolinone (ALS / AHAS inhibitor / HRAC Group 2).
- Enzyme inhibition: Inhibits acetolactate synthase, depleting essential branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine) and halting cell division.
- Dual absorption: Absorbed through both foliage and roots, translocating rapidly through xylem and phloem to meristematic growing points.
- Residual soil activity: Provides residual pre-emergence control that suppresses subsequent weed flushes for several weeks.
Target Crops and Broad Weed Spectrum
Imazethapyr 10% SL is registered under CIBRC guidelines for major leguminous oilseed and pulse crops.
Major registered crop uses:
- Soybean: Controls Echinochloa barnyard grass, Commelina benghalensis (dayflower), Trianthema portulacastrum, and Digera arvensis.
- Groundnut: Suppresses mixed flushes of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds during early vegetative development.
- Pulses (Urad and Moong): Applied under specific regional guidelines to manage competitive early weeds.
- Selective tolerance: Tolerant leguminous crops rapidly metabolize imazethapyr into inactive compounds, avoiding chemical crop damage.
Application Timing, Soil Moisture and Safety
Applying imazethapyr at the correct weed stage ensures maximum herbicide uptake.
Safe application guidelines:
- Application timing: Apply post-emergence at 15 to 25 days after sowing when target weeds are young and actively growing at the 2 to 4-leaf stage.
- Adequate soil moisture: Spray only when there is good soil moisture; dry soil conditions significantly reduce foliar uptake and residual activation.
- Nozzle selection: Use flat fan or floodjet nozzles delivering uniform spray droplets across the weed canopy.
- Operator safety: Wear personal protective equipment including rubber gloves, eye goggles, and a protective mask during spray mixing.
Official source
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Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary agricultural use of Imazethapyr 10% SL?
It is widely used as a selective post-emergence herbicide to control both annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in soybean and groundnut crops.
How does imazethapyr eliminate target weeds?
It inhibits the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme, stopping the synthesis of essential branched-chain amino acids and halting weed growth.
What is the optimal timing for spraying imazethapyr?
It is best applied 15 to 25 days after crop sowing when target weeds are actively growing at the 2 to 4-leaf stage under moist soil conditions.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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