Active Ingredient and Sulfonylurea Mode of Action
Ethoxysulfuron belongs to the sulfonylurea chemical group (HRAC Group 2), functioning as an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor.
It blocks the biosynthesis of essential branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine), arresting cell division in weed growing points within hours of uptake.
- Active Molecule: Ethoxysulfuron 15% WDG (Water Dispersible Granules)
- Dual Uptake: Rapidly absorbed through both weed foliage and roots, translocating systemically through xylem and phloem
- Low Dose Efficacy: Highly active at exceptionally low grams-per-acre application rates, reducing environmental chemical load
- Crop Safety: Rice plants rapidly detoxify ethoxysulfuron via metabolic ring-hydroxylation without crop injury
Target Weeds and Rice Indications
Sunrice is registered for transplanted rice, wet direct-seeded rice (wet DSR), and dry direct-seeded rice.
It controls difficult sediment-dwelling sedges and broadleaves that compete with young rice seedlings for nitrogen and sunlight.
- Sedges Controlled: Cyperus rotundus (nutsedge), Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis, and Fimbristylis miliacea
- Broadleaf Weeds: Ludwigia parviflora, Sphenoclea zeylanica, Eclipta alba, and Monochoria vaginalis
- Application Window: Applied at 10 to 15 days after transplanting or direct seeding when weeds have 2 to 4 leaves
Water Management and Application Standards
Proper water management ensures optimal herbicide activation and uptake through weed roots and foliage.
Maintain shallow standing water (2 to 3 cm) in the paddy field at application and for 3 to 4 days thereafter.
- Water Maintenance: Keep fields with standing water for several days after application to facilitate root zone uptake
- Water Volume: Apply using 150 liters of water per acre with flat-fan or floodjet nozzles at low operating pressure
- Tank Mixing: Can be tank-mixed with selective graminicides (like cyhalofop-butyl) for complete broadleaf, sedge, and grass control
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the technical chemical in Bayer Sunrice?
Sunrice contains ethoxysulfuron 15% WDG, a sulfonylurea ALS-inhibitor herbicide.
Does Sunrice control grassy weeds like barnyard grass?
No, Sunrice specifically controls sedges and broadleaf weeds; it does not control grassy weeds like Echinochloa.
Can Sunrice control purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) in rice?
Yes, ethoxysulfuron provides strong systemic suppression of both annual and perennial sedges including nutsedge.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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