Crystal Traam - Quizalofop-ethyl 5% EC Post-Emergent Herbicide for Grass Weeds

Product Overview

Crystal Traam is a post-emergence, selective herbicide designed to control narrow leaf (grass) weeds in broadleaf crops. The active ingredient is Quizalofop-ethyl 5% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate). It is manufactured by Crystal Crop Protection Ltd and is meant for agriculture use only.

This herbicide targets grassy weeds that compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight during the early growth stages. It is most effective when applied during the 2–5 leaf stage of weeds. Crystal Traam is recommended for use in soybean, cotton, groundnut, black gram, and onion crops. It works through quick absorption and systemic action, moving within the weed to stop its growth.

By controlling narrow leaf weeds early, Crystal Traam helps reduce the need for manual weeding, saves time and labour, and supports better crop establishment. It is rainfast within hours of application when used as directed.

Key Benefits

• Effectively controls narrow leaf (grass) weeds in broadleaf crops without harming the main crop
• Quick absorption and systemic action stops weed growth from within
• Reduces dependence on manual weeding, saving time and labour costs
• Helps prevent early crop loss due to weed competition for water and nutrients
• Rainfast within hours of application, reducing risk from unexpected rain
• Safe for major broadleaf crops when used as per recommended dosage
• No harmful residue if used as directed

How It Works

Crystal Traam contains Quizalofop-ethyl, a selective herbicide that belongs to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate group. Once sprayed on the weeds, it is quickly absorbed through the leaves and stems. The herbicide then moves systemically through the weed plant to the growing points (meristems).

Quizalofop-ethyl works by inhibiting the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), which is essential for fatty acid synthesis in grass weeds. Without fatty acids, the weed's cell membranes cannot form properly, and growth stops. The first visible symptoms appear within a few days — the weeds stop growing, leaves turn yellow and then brown, and the weed eventually dies.

Because this mode of action targets a specific enzyme found only in grasses, the herbicide is selective and safe for broadleaf crops like soybean, cotton, groundnut, black gram, and onion. The systemic movement ensures that even the underground parts of the weed are affected, reducing the chance of regrowth.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Crystal Traam
Active Ingredient	Quizalofop-ethyl 5% w/w
Formulation Type	EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate)
Product Category	Post-emergent Selective Herbicide
Brand	Crystal Crop Protection
Emulsifier	Sorpol (Blend of Polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether and alkyl benzene sulfonates) 32% w/w
Solvent	Solvesso (C-8 C-9 Aromatic hydrocarbon solvent)
Available Pack Sizes	100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 Litre

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Major Weeds Controlled	Dose per Acre	When to Apply
Soybean	Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Eragrostis spp.	400 ml	2–5 leaf stage of weeds
Cotton	Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Dinebra retroflexa, Digitaria marginata	400 ml	2–5 leaf stage of weeds
Groundnut	Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Dinebra retroflexa, Dactyloctenium spp.	400 ml	2–5 leaf stage of weeds
Black Gram	Eleusine indica, Dactyloctenium spp., Digitaria marginata, Paspalum spp.	400 ml	2–5 leaf stage of weeds
Onion	Digitaria spp., Eleusine indica, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eragrostis spp.	400 ml	2–5 leaf stage of weeds

Foliar Spray Dilution: 2 ml per litre of water

Spray Pump Dose: ~30 ml per 15-litre pump

Drip Irrigation: Not recommended. Crystal Traam is for foliar spray use only.

When to Use

Crystal Traam should be applied during the early growth stage of weeds, specifically when the narrow leaf weeds are at the 2–5 leaf stage. This is the most effective time because young weeds are more sensitive to the herbicide and have not yet developed strong root systems or tillers.

Apply the herbicide after the crop has emerged and the weeds are actively growing. Early application helps prevent weed competition during the critical early growth period of the crop. Delaying application beyond the 5-leaf stage may result in reduced control as older weeds become harder to kill.

Avoid application during high winds or when rain is expected within a few hours, although the product is rainfast within hours of application. Apply when weather conditions are favourable for good spray coverage.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check weed stage: Ensure narrow leaf weeds are at the 2–5 leaf stage before application.
2. Prepare the spray solution: Mix 2 ml of Crystal Traam per litre of clean water. For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer, use approximately 30 ml of product.
3. Mix properly: Fill the spray tank with half the required water, add the measured herbicide, then add the remaining water. Stir or shake well to ensure uniform mixing.
4. Spray evenly: Apply as a foliar spray, ensuring thorough coverage of the weeds. Do not use for drip irrigation.
5. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly clean all spray equipment with water. Do not dispose of leftover solution near water bodies.
6. Post-application care: Wear gloves and mask during mixing and spraying. Wash hands and exposed skin after handling.

Compatibility

Crystal Traam is compatible with most agrochemicals. However, do not mix with copper-based fungicides as incompatibility may occur. Always perform a jar test before mixing with any new product to check for physical compatibility.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear gloves and a mask during mixing and spraying to avoid skin contact and inhalation.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children, animals, and food items.
• Avoid application during high winds or near water sources to prevent spray drift.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

No specific antidote is available. If accidental exposure occurs, treat symptomatically and seek medical attention immediately. When used as directed at the recommended dosage, Crystal Traam is safe for the listed broadleaf crops. Avoid over-application or spraying on grassy crops as injury may occur.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• Shelf Life: Use within the period indicated on the product packaging when stored under recommended conditions.