Rice Star Herbicide: Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl Uses and Paddy Care

Active Ingredient and ACCase Inhibitor Mode of Action

Rice Star is formulated with Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, an aryloxyphenoxypropionate (AOPP) herbicide classified under HRAC Group 1. It acts as a specific inhibitor of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) enzyme in susceptible grass weeds.

Inhibition of ACCase blocks fatty acid biosynthesis, shutting down the formation of cell membranes in growing meristems. Susceptible grass weeds stop growing within 48 hours of application; growing points turn chlorotic, develop characteristic red-purple anthocyanin pigments, and decay completely within 10 to 14 days.

• Active Molecule: Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.7% w/w EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate).
• HRAC Group 1: Selective ACCase enzyme inhibitor targeting grass fatty acid synthesis.
• Crop Safety Platform: Formulated with advanced safener technology (Isoxadifen-ethyl) ensuring complete rice crop selectivity.
• Rapid Foliar Absorption: Absorbed through grass foliage within 1 to 2 hours of application.

Target Weed Spectrum and Application Window

Rice Star is engineered specifically to eliminate major grassy weed competitors in rice. Its prime target is the Echinochloa complex (Echinochloa crus-galli / barnyard grass and Echinochloa colonum / jungle rice), which closely mimics young rice seedlings and robs crops of nitrogen and moisture.

It also provides excellent control against other annual grasses including Digitaria sanguinalis (crabgrass), Eleusine indica (goosegrass), and Leptochloa chinensis (Chinese sprangletop). Apply post-emergence when grass weeds are actively growing at the 3 to 5-leaf stage.

• Echinochloa Control: Destroys barnyard grass and jungle rice even when established in rice rows.
• Annual Grass Spectrum: Effectively controls crabgrass, sprangletop, and goosegrass.
• Direct-Seeded and Transplanted Rice: Safe for use in puddle-transplanted, direct-seeded (DSR), and nursery beds.
• Optimal Application Stage: Apply when target grasses possess 3 to 5 active green leaves.

Water Management, Spraying and Safety Guidelines

Proper field water management is critical when spraying Rice Star. Drain standing water from the paddy field 24 hours prior to spraying to fully expose grass weed foliage to the spray mist. Re-flood the field 48 hours after application to 3-5 cm depth and maintain standing water for several days to prevent new weed flushes.

Apply using flat-fan or floodjet nozzles for uniform droplet deposition. Avoid tank-mixing with phenoxy herbicides (like 2,4-D), which can antagonize fenoxaprop activity. Adhere strictly to CIBRC-registered label doses and wear personal protective gear.

• Field Drainage: Drain standing water completely before spraying to expose weed leaves to the herbicide.
• Re-Flooding Routine: Re-introduce field water 48 hours post-application to suppress subsequent weed emergence.
• Avoid Tank Mix Antagonism: Do not tank-mix with 2,4-D or alkaline chemicals that reduce fenoxaprop uptake.
• Operator Safety: Wear protective gloves and respirators during chemical mixing and spraying.

Related on KisanPe

• Pesticides Guide →
• Crop Protection →
• Pesticide calculator →
• Ask Sakhi AI →

Common questions

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.