Active Ingredient Profile and Bleaching Action
Tembotrione belongs to the triketone chemical family, formulated as a suspension concentrate (34.4% SC).
It works by inhibiting 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), an enzyme necessary for carotenoid synthesis in plants.
Without carotenoid sun-shielding, photosynthetic chlorophyll undergoes light-induced photo-oxidation, leading to rapid whitening or bleaching of weed foliage followed by complete plant necrosis.
- Formulation: 34.4 percent Suspension Concentrate (SC)
- Selectivity: Highly selective to maize crops when applied at recommended vegetative stages
- Adjuvant requirement: Typically applied with designated methylated seed oil adjuvant for optimal foliar retention
Target Weed Spectrum in Corn Cultivation
Tembotrione effectively tackles complex mixed weed populations that germinate concurrently with maize crops.
Application timing should target weeds when they are small and actively metabolizing, ideally between the two to four leaf stages.
- Broadleaf weeds: Controls Trianthema portulacastrum, Amaranthus viridis, Digera arvensis, and Commelina benghalensis
- Grassy weeds: Suppresses Echinochloa colona, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and Brachiaria species
- Crop safety: Exceptional tolerance in grain corn, silage corn, and sweet corn hybrids
Spraying Directions and Moisture Management
Adequate soil moisture is critical when spraying HPPD herbicides to support rapid foliar uptake and vascular movement.
Sprayers should use flat fan or floodjet nozzles at low operating pressure to maintain uniform droplet distribution and prevent drift to sensitive neighboring crops.
Wear standard personal protective equipment during handling.
- Water volume: Use clean water at recommended volumes per acre to ensure thorough weed surface coverage
- Tank cleaning: Rinse sprayer tank thoroughly post-application to prevent residue carryover into subsequent crops
- Harvest intervals: Observe pre-harvest intervals as specified on the registered product leaflet
Official source
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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the primary mode of action of Tembotrione herbicide?
It inhibits the HPPD enzyme, preventing carotenoid pigment production and causing characteristic foliar bleaching in susceptible weeds.
Can Tembotrione be sprayed on crops other than maize?
Tembotrione is specifically registered for maize crops; applying it to non-recommended broadleaf or cereal crops can cause severe phytotoxic damage.
Why do weeds turn white after spraying Tembotrione?
Weeds turn white because destruction of carotenoids leaves photosynthetic chlorophyll exposed to lethal photo-oxidation under normal sunlight.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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