Crystal Cracker Herbicide - Penoxsulam 1.02% + Cyhalofop-Butyl 5.1% OD for Rice

Crystal Cracker is a selective post-emergence herbicide specially developed for rice crops. It contains two powerful active ingredients — Penoxsulam 1.02% and Cyhalofop-Butyl 5.1% — in an Oil Dispersion (OD) formulation. This combination gives farmers a reliable tool to control both grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds in a single spray. The product is designed to target tough weed species like Echinochloa, Cyperus, and Leptochloa that commonly infest transplanted rice fields and reduce crop yields.

What makes Crystal Cracker different is its dual-mode action. Penoxsulam works as an ALS inhibitor, while Cyhalofop-Butyl acts as an ACCase inhibitor. Together, they attack weeds through two different pathways, making it harder for weeds to develop resistance. The OD formulation also provides good rainfastness, meaning the herbicide stays effective even if rain falls shortly after application. With residual activity that extends weed control over time, farmers can reduce the number of sprays needed in a season. The product is safe for the rice crop when used as directed, helping farmers achieve healthier crop growth and better yields.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum weed control: Controls both grassy weeds (Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Leptochloa chinensis) and broadleaf weeds (Ludwigia octovalvis, Cyperus difformis, Fimbristylis miliacea) in a single application.
• Dual-mode action: Two active ingredients with different modes of action (ALS inhibitor + ACCase inhibitor) provide effective control and reduce the risk of weed resistance.
• Selective to rice: Effectively targets weeds without harming the rice crop, ensuring crop safety during the critical growth stages.
• Rainfast formulation: The OD formulation stays effective even after rainfall, giving farmers flexibility in application timing.
• Residual activity: Provides extended weed control, reducing the need for repeated applications and saving time and labour costs.
• Better crop yield and quality: By reducing weed competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, the herbicide helps rice plants grow stronger and produce higher yields.

How It Works

Crystal Cracker combines two active ingredients that work through different biological pathways to control weeds effectively. Penoxsulam belongs to the triazolopyrimidine group and acts as an ALS (acetolactate synthase) inhibitor. It stops the production of essential amino acids in weeds, which are needed for protein synthesis and cell growth. Without these amino acids, susceptible weeds stop growing and eventually die. This action is effective against many broadleaf weeds and sedges.

Cyhalofop-Butyl belongs to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate group and works as an ACCase (acetyl-CoA carboxylase) inhibitor. It blocks the production of fatty acids that are essential for cell membrane formation in grassy weeds. This action is particularly effective against grass species like Echinochloa. When both ingredients work together, they provide comprehensive control across a wider weed spectrum than either ingredient alone. The Oil Dispersion (OD) formulation helps the herbicide stick to weed leaves better, improves absorption, and provides rainfastness — meaning the product stays on the plant even if it rains shortly after spraying.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Crystal Cracker
Brand	Crystal Crop Protection
Active Ingredients	Penoxsulam 1.02% + Cyhalofop-Butyl 5.1%
Formulation Type	Oil Dispersion (OD)
Product Type	Selective Post-Emergence Herbicide
Mode of Action	ALS inhibitor (Penoxsulam), ACCase inhibitor (Cyhalofop-Butyl)
Target Crop	Transplanted Rice
Available Pack Sizes	200 ml, 400 ml, 900 ml, 1 L
Shelf Life	1 Year

Recommended Dosage & Application

Dosage:

• Per acre: 900 ml (as per source data for transplanted rice)
• Per hectare: 450–700 ml (depending on application type and weed pressure)

Target Weeds in Transplanted Rice:

• Echinochloa colona (Jungle rice)
• Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard grass)
• Fimbristylis miliacea (Grass-like sedge)
• Leptochloa chinensis (Chinese sprangletop)
• Cyperus difformis (Variable flatsedge)
• Cyperus iria (Rice flatsedge)
• Ludwigia octovalvis (Water primrose) — broadleaf weed

Application Method: Foliar spray

Water Volume: Mix the recommended dose in sufficient water for uniform coverage (typically 150–200 litres of water per acre for knapsack sprayer).

When to Use

Crystal Cracker should be applied at the 3–5 leaf stage of weeds, which is the early post-emergence stage. This is when weeds are young, actively growing, and most susceptible to herbicide action. For transplanted rice, this timing usually falls around 8–15 days after transplanting, depending on weed emergence in the field. Applying at the correct weed stage ensures maximum effectiveness and reduces weed competition during the critical early growth period of the rice crop. Delaying application beyond the 5-leaf stage may result in reduced control of larger, more established weeds.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check weed stage: Inspect the field and ensure weeds are at the 3–5 leaf stage before spraying.
2. Calculate dosage: Measure the required quantity — 900 ml per acre for transplanted rice.
3. Prepare spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the measured herbicide and mix well. Add remaining water and stir again to ensure uniform mixing.
4. Spray evenly: Apply as a foliar spray using a knapsack sprayer or power sprayer. Ensure uniform coverage over the entire field.
5. Drain water: For best results in transplanted rice, drain excess water from the field before spraying so that weeds are exposed and the spray reaches the weed foliage.
6. Post-application: Do not disturb the field for 24–48 hours after spraying. Re-flood the field 2–3 days after application if needed.
7. Clean equipment: Rinse the spray tank and nozzles thoroughly with clean water after use.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear protective gear: Use gloves, eye protection, and long-sleeved clothing when handling and spraying the herbicide.
• Avoid spray drift: Do not spray on windy days. Prevent drift to neighbouring crops, water bodies, and sensitive areas.
• Minimize exposure: Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Safe storage: Store in the original container in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and children's reach.
• Disposal: Dispose of empty containers according to local regulations. Do not reuse containers for any purpose.
• Use only as directed: Follow label instructions carefully. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)	60 days
Shelf Life	1 year from date of manufacture
Storage Conditions	Store in original container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight