Crystal Arsa Herbicide - Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL Non-Selective Weed Control for Tea & Cotton

Arsa Herbicide from Crystal Crop Protection is a powerful solution for broad-spectrum weed control in tea plantations. With glufosinate-ammonium 13.5% SL as its active ingredient, this non selective herbicide acts quickly on a wide range of weeds by disrupting glutamine synthesis. This causes toxic ammonia buildup, resulting in rapid plant death. 

Ideal for foliar application, Arsa is absorbed through leaves and works best when weeds are at the 3–5 leaf stage. It starts acting within days, making it a fast and efficient weed spray. By removing weed competition, Arsa enhances tea crop growth and quality, improving overall yield.

Key Benefits

• Fast visible results: Weeds start turning yellow within 24–48 hours, with complete drying in 3 to 5 days after application.
• Controls tough & resistant weeds: Highly effective against weeds that have become resistant to Glyphosate, including Imperata cylindrica, Commelina, and Eleusine indica.
• Broad-spectrum weed control: One application controls a wide range of annual grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges in tea and cotton.
• Safer toxicity profile: Classified as Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic), making it significantly safer for users compared to Red-label herbicides like Paraquat.
• Rainfast in 4–6 hours: Once dried on the leaf surface, light rain will not wash off the chemical, ensuring reliable results.
• No soil residue issues: Rapidly degraded by soil microbes (half-life of 7–20 days), so it does not harm rotational crops in the next season.
• Cost-effective weed management: Reduces dependence on manual hand-weeding, saving time and labour costs in large plantations.

How It Works

Arsa Herbicide contains Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL, a contact herbicide that works through a unique mode of action. When sprayed on weed foliage, the high surfactant load (58%) helps the chemical quickly penetrate the waxy outer layer of weed leaves.

Once inside the plant cells, Glufosinate Ammonium inhibits the Glutamine Synthetase enzyme. This enzyme is essential for the plant to convert toxic ammonia into useful amino acids. When this enzyme is blocked, ammonia builds up rapidly inside the weed cells to toxic levels. This ammonia accumulation destroys cell membranes, stops photosynthesis, and causes the weed to collapse and dry out completely within days.

Because Arsa is a contact herbicide, it kills only the green parts of the weed that it touches. It does not move deep into the root system like systemic herbicides such as Glyphosate. This makes it safer for use around crop roots and tree trunks in tea plantations. For perennial weeds with deep roots, Arsa acts like a "chemical mower" — burning down the top growth effectively while being gentler on the soil environment.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: Minimum days between last spray and harvesting.

Important: Since Arsa is a contact herbicide, thorough coverage of weed foliage is essential. Always use at least 200 litres of water per acre to ensure every weed leaf is properly wetted. Using less water will result in poor coverage and reduced effectiveness.

When to Use

Apply Arsa Herbicide when weeds are young and actively growing, ideally at the 3 to 5 leaf stage. At this stage, weeds are most vulnerable to the herbicide, and you will get the best kill rate. Spray on a sunny morning for optimal chemical activation and faster drying on weed leaves.

Arsa is a post-emergent herbicide, meaning it is applied after weeds have emerged from the soil. It works best on actively growing weeds — avoid spraying during drought stress or extreme heat, as weed metabolism slows down and results may be less effective.

For tea plantations, apply during the inter-cultural operations when weeds are actively growing between the tea bushes. For cotton, use only as an inter-row application between crop rows, taking care to avoid contact with cotton plants.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare protective gear: Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles before handling the product.
2. Fill spray tank: Fill the spray tank halfway with clean water.
3. Add the recommended dose: Measure the correct amount of Arsa (see dosage table above) and add it to the tank.
4. Mix thoroughly: Add the remaining water to reach the total volume of 200 litres per acre. Stir or agitate the mixture well.
5. Check nozzle: Use a Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzle for uniform spray coverage.
6. Apply as foliar spray: Spray directly onto weed foliage, ensuring all weed leaves are thoroughly wet but not dripping excessively.
7. For cotton only: Use a protective hood or shield on the nozzle to spray only between the rows. Do not let the spray touch cotton plants.
8. Avoid spraying in rain or strong wind: Do not apply if rain is expected within 4–6 hours, or during windy conditions that may cause spray drift.
9. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly wash the spray tank and nozzles with clean water.

Compatibility

Use clean water for mixing. Avoid using muddy, hard, or alkaline water as it can reduce the efficacy of the herbicide. Ensure proper agitation in the spray tank during mixing and application. Do not mix with other pesticides or fertilizers unless specifically advised by an agronomist. If tank-mixing is considered, always conduct a jar test first to check for physical compatibility.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) — gloves, mask, and goggles — while handling and spraying.
• Avoid inhalation of spray mist and direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and drinking water.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not apply directly on top of crops — Arsa is non-selective and will damage any green plant it touches.
• Avoid spray drift onto neighbouring crops, water bodies, or non-target areas.
• Dispose of empty containers as per local guidelines — do not reuse for any purpose.
• Toxic to aquatic organisms — do not use near water bodies or drainage channels.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Arsa is a non-selective contact herbicide. It will damage or kill any green plant tissue it comes in contact with. For cotton, use only as inter-row application with a protective hood to prevent spray contact with cotton plants. Avoid spray drift onto tea foliage or any other desirable vegetation. Do not use on vegetable crops or other off-label crops as it may cause severe crop damage and residue issues.

PHI / REI & Storage