Crystal Guard Herbicide - Imazethapyr 10% SL for Soybean & Groundnut Weed Control

Crystal Guard is a broad-spectrum, selective, post-emergent herbicide from Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. It contains Imazethapyr 10% SL as its active ingredient and belongs to the Imidazolinone chemical family. Crystal Guard is designed to control a wide range of narrow-leaf grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges in soybean and groundnut crops.

This herbicide works by inhibiting the ALS (Acetolactate Synthase) enzyme in weeds, which stops the production of essential branched-chain amino acids. Once absorbed, weed growth stops quickly, and the weeds gradually die off. Crystal Guard is systemic in nature, meaning it moves within the weed plant to provide thorough control from roots to shoots.

Crystal Guard is safe for the main crop when used as per recommended dosage. It is a selective herbicide, so it targets only the weeds without harming soybean or groundnut plants. The product is available in a combo package that includes GBOOST (fertilizer) and GSPREAD (spraying adjuvant) for complete crop care. It is available in 500 ml, 1 litre, and 5 litre bottle pack sizes.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum weed control – effectively manages narrow-leaf grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges in a single application
• Selective action – targets only weeds without harming soybean and groundnut crops when used correctly
• Systemic ALS-inhibitor action – absorbed by weeds and moves throughout the plant for complete control from roots to shoots
• Long residual activity – provides extended protection and helps prevent weed regrowth in the field
• Reduces weed competition – cleaner crop stands lead to better crop vigour and improved yield potential
• Combo package available – comes with GBOOST fertilizer and GSPREAD adjuvant for a complete crop care solution
• Post-emergent flexibility – can be applied after weeds have emerged, giving farmers time to assess weed pressure

How It Works

Crystal Guard contains Imazethapyr, which belongs to the Imidazolinone chemical family of herbicides. It works by inhibiting the ALS (Acetolactate Synthase) enzyme, which is essential for the production of branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) in weeds. Without these amino acids, the weeds cannot produce proteins needed for growth and survival.

Being a systemic herbicide, Crystal Guard is absorbed through the leaves and stems of emerged weeds after foliar application. It then moves throughout the weed plant via the vascular system, reaching growing points, roots, and shoots. This systemic movement ensures that even hidden or underground parts of the weed are affected.

After application, weed growth stops within a few hours to days. The weeds may remain green initially but stop competing with the crop. Complete weed death typically occurs within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on weed species, size, and environmental conditions. The selective nature of Crystal Guard means that soybean and groundnut crops can metabolise the herbicide safely, while susceptible weeds cannot.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Foliar Application: Use 400 to 600 ml per acre. For knapsack sprayer, approximately 40-60 ml per 15 litres of water.

Stock Solution Preparation (for combo pack):

• Add 750 ml of Crystal Guard herbicide in 24 litres of water
• Add 750 gm of GBOOST (Fertilizer) to the mixture
• Add 562.5 ml of GSPREAD (Spraying Adjuvant) to the mixture
• Mix well and use for foliar spray

When to Use

Crystal Guard is a post-emergent herbicide, meaning it is applied after both the crop and weeds have emerged from the soil. The ideal time for application is 7 to 14 days after sowing (DAS), when weeds are at the 1 to 2 leaf stage. At this stage, weeds are young, actively growing, and most susceptible to the herbicide's action.

Applying at the correct weed stage is important for effective control. If weeds are too mature, they may be harder to control. The herbicide should be applied when there is adequate soil moisture and the crop is actively growing. Avoid application during heavy rainfall or when rain is expected within a few hours, as this may wash off the spray from weed foliage.

For best results, apply Crystal Guard when weed emergence is uniform and most weeds have reached the 1-2 leaf stage. A single timely application can provide effective season-long weed control in soybean and groundnut fields.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check the field: Walk through the field to assess weed pressure. Ensure weeds are at the 1-2 leaf stage and the crop is at 7-14 days after sowing.
2. Prepare the spray solution: Fill a clean spray tank with half the required amount of clean water. Add the measured quantity of Crystal Guard herbicide (400-600 ml per acre) and mix thoroughly. If using the combo pack, add GBOOST fertilizer and GSPREAD adjuvant as per the recommended proportions.
3. Mix properly: Stir or shake the mixture well to ensure uniform dispersion. Add the remaining water and mix again.
4. Calibrate the sprayer: Ensure the sprayer nozzle is clean and calibrated for uniform coverage. Use a flat-fan nozzle for best results.
5. Apply as foliar spray: Spray the solution evenly over the crop and weeds. Ensure thorough coverage of weed foliage for effective absorption.
6. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly clean all spray equipment with water. Do not dispose of leftover solution near water bodies.
7. Monitor the field: Check the field after 7-10 days for weed control. If some weeds survive, assess the need for a follow-up application or manual weeding.

Compatibility

Crystal Guard is designed to be used as a combo package with GBOOST (fertilizer) and GSPREAD (spraying adjuvant) for enhanced performance. The GSPREAD adjuvant helps improve spray coverage and wetting on weed foliage, while GBOOST provides nutritional support to the crop. Always follow the recommended mixing order: first add the herbicide to water, then add the fertilizer, and finally add the adjuvant. Do not mix with alkaline substances or products containing sulfur without prior testing. If mixing with other products is needed, conduct a small jar test before large-scale application.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear protective gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the herbicide
• Avoid inhalation of spray mist and direct contact with skin and eyes
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
• Dispose of gloves and empty containers safely after use – do not reuse containers for any purpose
• Avoid spray drift onto nearby crops, water bodies, or non-target areas
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling
• Do not apply directly on top of crop foliage beyond the recommended dosage

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Crystal Guard is a selective herbicide and is safe for soybean and groundnut crops when used at the recommended dosage and application timing. However, applying at higher than recommended doses or under stressed crop conditions (drought, waterlogging, extreme temperatures) may cause temporary crop yellowing or growth suppression. Always follow label instructions and apply only at the recommended weed stage (1-2 leaf stage, 7-14 DAS) to minimise any risk of crop injury.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored under proper conditions.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers. Dispose of them safely as per local agricultural waste guidelines.