Darrick Dackpra Halosulfuron Methyl 75% WG Herbicide for Nutgrass Control in Sugarcane & Maize

Darrick Dackpra is a selective, systemic, post-emergence herbicide containing Halosulfuron Methyl 75% WG (Water-Dispersible Granule). It is specially designed to control stubborn sedge weeds, especially nut grass or motha (Cyperus rotundus), which is one of the most persistent and yield-damaging weeds in Indian agriculture. This herbicide works by entering the weed through its leaves and roots, moving inside the plant, and stopping its growth at the root level without harming the main crop.

Dackpra is mainly recommended for use in Sugarcane, Maize, and Bottle Gourd crops. It effectively controls Cyperus rotundus (Purple Nutsedge / Nut Grass / Motha), Cyperus iria (Rice Flatsedge), and certain associated broadleaf weeds. Being a sulfonylurea group herbicide, it inhibits the ALS enzyme in the weed, blocking the production of essential amino acids and slowly starving the weed until it dies. The weed first turns yellow, then dries up and dies completely.

One of the biggest advantages of Dackpra is its strong systemic and soil residual action. It moves in both directions through the weed's xylem and phloem, reaching underground nutlets and destroying the meristematic tissue, which prevents regrowth from bulbs. After application, it stays effective in the soil for a long time, controlling newly germinating nutgrass seedlings for several weeks. This reduces the need for repeated manual weeding, saving both time and labour cost for farmers. A small dose of just 36 gm per acre provides effective protection, making it a cost-effective weed management solution.

Key Benefits

• Strong control of nut grass: Effectively kills Cyperus rotundus (motha) and Cyperus iria, including weeds growing from underground nutlets.
• Systemic action: Moves inside the weed through leaves and roots, reaching underground parts and preventing regrowth from bulbs.
• Long-lasting residual effect: Stays active in the soil for weeks, controlling newly germinating nutgrass seedlings.
• Safe for crops: Selective herbicide that does not harm Sugarcane, Maize, or Bottle Gourd when used at the recommended dose.
• Rapid action: Checks nutrient uptake by the weed within 24 hours of application; full weed suppression visible in 7–10 days.
• Cost-effective: A small dose of 36 gm per acre provides effective protection, reducing the need for frequent applications.
• Reduces labour cost: Less manual weeding required, saving time and money per acre.
• Supports better yield: Healthier crop roots with less weed competition lead to higher productivity and better profits.

How It Works

Darrick Dackpra contains Halosulfuron Methyl 75% WG, which belongs to the sulfonylurea chemical group. It works by inhibiting the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme, which is the first enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of essential branched-chain amino acids (Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine). These amino acids are required for protein formation and normal growth of the weed.

When Dackpra is sprayed on young, actively growing weeds, it is absorbed through the leaves and roots. Being a systemic herbicide, it moves in both directions through the weed's xylem and phloem, reaching all parts of the plant including underground nutlets. Once inside, it blocks the production of essential amino acids, starving the weed. The weed stops growing, its leaves turn yellow, the nuts become darker, and the weed is completely destroyed within 14–30 days.

Critically, Dackpra penetrates underground nutlets and destroys the meristematic tissue, preventing regrowth from bulbs. This makes it far harder for nutgrass to regenerate compared to herbicides that only kill above-ground weed tissue. For crop plants in the grass family like Sugarcane and Maize, there is no effect because these plants have strong Mixed Function Oxidase (MFO) enzyme systems that break down the herbicide molecule into harmless acid metabolite forms.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Darrick Dackpra Herbicide
Technical Name	Halosulfuron Methyl 75% WG
Formulation Type	WG (Water-Dispersible Granule)
Chemical Class	Sulfonylurea
HRAC Group	2 (ALS / AHAS Inhibitor)
Mode of Action	Selective Systemic Post-Emergence; inhibits ALS enzyme
Mode of Entry	Systemic (moves through xylem & phloem)
Recommended Dose	36 gm per acre
Application Method	Ground-level directed foliar spray
Toxicity	Blue
Shelf Life	2 years from date of manufacture
Storage Temperature	Below 35°C
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Apply Darrick Dackpra as a ground-level directed foliar spray on young, actively growing Cyperus weeds. Always add a non-ionic surfactant or approved sticker for best leaf absorption. The recommended dose is 36 gm per acre.

Crop	Target Weeds	Dose Per Acre	Per 15L Pump	Water Volume Per Acre	Timing
Sugarcane	Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus iria, associated broadleaf weeds	36 gm	2.7 gm	150–200 litres	30–60 days after planting when weeds are actively growing
Maize	Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus iria, associated broadleaf weeds	36 gm	2.7 gm	150–200 litres	15–20 days after sowing when weeds are at 3–5 leaf stage
Bottle Gourd	Cyperus rotundus, broadleaf weeds	36 gm	2.7 gm	150–200 litres	Post-emergence when weeds are actively growing

For mixing, dissolve 36 gm of Dackpra in 150–200 litres of clean water per acre. Use a knapsack sprayer, battery sprayer, or power sprayer fitted with a flat-fan or flood-jet nozzle for uniform coverage.

When to Use

Apply Darrick Dackpra when Cyperus weeds are young and actively growing, at the 3–5 leaf stage, for the strongest kill response. Early application prevents weed competition during the most critical crop establishment window.

• Sugarcane: Apply 30–60 days after planting when weeds are actively growing.
• Maize: Apply 15–20 days after sowing when weeds are at the 3–5 leaf stage.
• Bottle Gourd: Apply post-emergence when weeds are actively growing.

Spray during the early morning or late evening. Avoid spraying in extreme heat, during strong winds, or when rain is expected within 6 hours of application. Do not spray on stressed, drought-affected, or waterlogged weeds; active growth conditions give the best herbicidal response.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Wear protective gear including gloves, goggles, and a face mask before handling or spraying.
2. Measure 36 gm of Darrick Dackpra per acre as per the dose table.
3. Dissolve the granules in a small amount of clean water in a separate container and stir until fully dissolved before adding to the sprayer tank.
4. Fill the tank with the remaining clean water; use 150–200 litres of water per acre for good coverage.
5. Add a non-ionic surfactant or approved sticker at the recommended dose to improve leaf adhesion and absorption.
6. Direct the spray at ground level onto young, actively growing Cyperus weeds; ensure thorough coverage of weed leaves and the soil surface around the weed.
7. Apply during the early morning or late evening; avoid spraying in extreme heat or when rain is expected within 6 hours.
8. Avoid irrigation or rainfall for at least 4 hours after spraying.
9. Rinse the sprayer thoroughly with clean water after use.

Compatibility

Halosulfuron Methyl 75% WG can be combined with other recommended post-emergence herbicides where the label permits. Always perform a jar test before mixing with unfamiliar products. Always add a non-ionic surfactant for best performance. It is best used alone for optimal results; if mixing with other pesticides or fertilizers, consult an agronomist and do a jar test first to ensure compatibility.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask before handling or spraying.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during mixing or application.
• Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes; rinse immediately with clean water for 15 minutes if contact occurs.
• Do not allow spray drift onto neighbouring crops; this herbicide can damage non-grass broadleaf crops if contacted.
• Do not spray on windy days to avoid spray drift.
• Keep children, pets, and livestock away from treated areas for at least 12 hours.
• Wash all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after every spray session.
• Triple rinse empty containers, puncture, and dispose of per local waste guidelines.
• In case of accidental ingestion, eye contact, or inhalation, seek medical attention immediately.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Re-Entry Period: Do not enter treated fields for at least 12 hours after application without protective gear. Allow spray solution to dry fully before entering treated crop rows.
• Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture.
• Storage Temperature: Below 35°C.
• Storage: Store in the original sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, food, animal feed, and water sources. Keep out of reach of children and farm animals.