Cheminova Rakshak Tembotrione 34.4% SC Herbicide - Post-Emergence Weed Control for Maize

Cheminova Rakshak Tembotrione 34.4% SC is a selective, post-emergence herbicide specifically designed for effective weed control in maize (corn) fields. It contains Tembotrione 34.4% w/w as a Suspension Concentrate (SC) formulation. This herbicide belongs to the HPPD inhibitor group (HRAC Group F2) and works through advanced bleacher technology, providing broad-spectrum control of both grassy and broadleaf weeds that compete with maize crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Rakshak is recommended for use along with a suitable surfactant to enhance coverage and weed-kill effectiveness. It targets major problem weeds in maize including Echinochloa species (barnyard grass/sanwa), Trianthema species (punarnava/patharchatta), and Brachiaria species, along with many other grasses and broadleaf weeds. The herbicide is absorbed through weed foliage within 1-2 hours of application and moves systemically to growing points, disrupting carotenoid production and causing visible bleaching of weeds within 3-5 days, with complete weed death occurring within 10-14 days.

This product offers farmers a reliable solution for clean, weed-free maize fields, leading to better crop growth and higher yields. It is safe for all maize varieties when applied at the correct crop stage and has minimal carryover potential, allowing flexible crop rotation. Cheminova Rakshak provides consistent performance across different soil types and climatic conditions, making it a trusted choice for maize growers.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls both grassy weeds (Echinochloa, Brachiaria) and broadleaf weeds (Trianthema, Digera, Amaranthus) in a single spray, reducing the need for multiple herbicides
• Fast visible results: Weeds show bleaching (turning white/yellow) within 3-5 days of application, giving farmers quick confidence that the product is working
• Controls atrazine-resistant weeds: Uses a completely different mode of action (HPPD inhibition) that effectively kills weed strains that have become resistant to older herbicides like atrazine
• Safe for all maize varieties: No known variety restrictions - works safely on hybrids, composites, local varieties, sweet corn, and baby corn when applied at the recommended stage
• Rainfast within 2-4 hours: Once dried on weed foliage, rainfall does not wash off the effectiveness, providing reliability even in variable weather conditions
• Minimal carryover potential: Low soil residue allows flexible crop rotation without concerns about damaging subsequent crops
• Consistent performance: Works effectively across different soil types, climatic conditions, and maize growing seasons (kharif, rabi, spring)

How It Works

Cheminova Rakshak contains Tembotrione, an active ingredient that belongs to the HPPD inhibitor group of herbicides (HRAC Group F2). When sprayed on weeds, Tembotrione is absorbed through the foliage within 1-2 hours of application. It then moves systemically through both xylem and phloem tissues, reaching the growing points and meristems where new weed growth occurs.

Inside the weed, Tembotrione blocks the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (4-HPPD) enzyme, which is essential for the production of carotenoids - natural plant pigments that protect chlorophyll from excess sunlight. When carotenoid production is disrupted, the chlorophyll in weed leaves loses its protective shield. Sunlight then destroys the chlorophyll, causing the weeds to turn white or yellow (bleaching effect). Without chlorophyll, the weeds cannot perform photosynthesis and eventually die.

Maize plants are naturally tolerant to Tembotrione because they contain a detoxification enzyme (cytochrome P450) that safely breaks down the herbicide. This is why maize remains unaffected while target weeds are controlled. The full weed control effect is typically seen within 10-14 days of application, with visible bleaching appearing within 3-5 days.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand	Cheminova
Product Name	Rakshak
Active Ingredient	Tembotrione 34.4% w/w
Formulation Type	Suspension Concentrate (SC)
Chemical Group	HPPD Inhibitor (Triketone)
HRAC Classification	Group F2
Mode of Action	Selective, Systemic (foliar absorption + translocation)
Application Stage	Post-emergence
Target Crop	Maize (Corn)
Selectivity	Selective herbicide

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage per Acre	Water Volume
Maize (Corn)	Echinochloa spp., Trianthema spp., Brachiaria spp., and other grasses & broadleaf weeds	115-140 ml per acre	150-200 litres per acre

Additional dosage reference:

• Per hectare: 285-350 ml per hectare
• Per knapsack pump (15 litres): 35-40 ml per pump
• Always add a non-ionic surfactant at 0.5% concentration for better coverage and weed control

When to Use

Apply Cheminova Rakshak as a post-emergence spray when maize is at the 2-6 leaf stage (typically 15-25 days after sowing). This is the critical window when weeds are young and actively growing at the 2-4 leaf stage, making them most susceptible to the herbicide. Spraying at this stage ensures maximum weed control with complete crop safety.

Avoid spraying when maize has passed the 6-leaf stage (V6), as late application can cause crop injury. Do not spray on crops stressed by drought, water-logging, nutrient deficiency, or pest damage. For best results, spray on moist soil when weeds are actively growing and before they become well-established. Avoid spraying during windy conditions to prevent herbicide drift to sensitive crops like paddy, soybean, and vegetables.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check crop stage: Ensure maize is at 2-6 leaf stage (15-25 days after sowing) before spraying.
2. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the measured quantity of Rakshak (35-40 ml per 15-litre knapsack pump). Add a non-ionic surfactant at 0.5% concentration. Fill remaining water and mix thoroughly.
3. Select the right nozzle: Use flat fan or flood jet nozzles for uniform spray coverage on weeds.
4. Spray evenly: Apply the solution uniformly over the weed foliage. Ensure complete coverage of target weeds.
5. Post-application: The product becomes rainfast within 2-4 hours of spraying. Do not re-enter the field until the spray solution has dried completely.
6. Clean equipment: Thoroughly wash all spray equipment with water after use. Do not dispose of wash water near water bodies.

Compatibility

Cheminova Rakshak is compatible with most commonly used insecticides. However, do not tank-mix with organophosphate insecticides such as Chlorpyrifos or Profenofos, as this may cause crop injury. Always use with a recommended non-ionic surfactant or crop oil concentrate at 0.5% concentration for improved weed control. If mixing with other products for the first time, conduct a small jar test to check compatibility before large-scale use.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear protective gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the product
• Avoid inhalation of spray mist and contact with skin or eyes
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying
• Keep away from children, pets, food, feed, and drinking water
• Store in a cool, dry place below 35°C, away from direct sunlight
• Keep the container tightly closed and upright when not in use
• Avoid spray drift to nearby sensitive crops such as paddy, soybean, and vegetables
• Do not contaminate water bodies, ponds, or irrigation channels during spraying or equipment cleaning
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

When used at the recommended dose and correct crop stage (2-6 leaf stage), Cheminova Rakshak is safe for all maize varieties with no known phytotoxic effects. However, spraying after the 6-leaf stage or on crops under stress (drought, water-logging, nutrient deficiency) may cause crop injury. Avoid drift to non-target crops as Tembotrione can cause severe damage to sensitive crops like paddy, soybean, and vegetables.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Shelf life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly
• Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry place below 35°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• After mixing: Use the spray solution within 24 hours of mixing with water
• Keep the container tightly closed and upright in original packaging