Himax Herbicide - Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL - Non-Selective Weed Control for Tea, Cotton & Soybean

Himax Herbicide is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, post-emergence herbicide manufactured by Insecticides India Limited (IIL). It contains Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL as its active ingredient, which belongs to the Organophosphinic Acid / Phosphinic Acid chemical group. Himax is designed to effectively control a wide range of annual and perennial weeds, including grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds, in crops like tea, cotton, and soybean, as well as in non-cropped areas and fallow land.

Unlike systemic herbicides that move throughout the plant, Himax works as a contact herbicide with limited movement. It acts by inhibiting the glutamine synthetase enzyme, which is essential for ammonia detoxification in plants. This disruption leads to rapid accumulation of toxic levels of ammonia within weed cells, causing cell membrane destruction and quick weed death. Visible results such as yellowing can be seen within 2–3 days, with complete weed kill occurring within 3–5 days of application.

Himax is valued by farmers for its fast action, rainfast properties, and lack of soil residual activity. It degrades rapidly in soil (within 3–10 days), making it safe for crop rotation and minimizing the risk of groundwater contamination. The herbicide is particularly useful as a pre-planting burndown treatment, for directed spraying in row crops like cotton, and for spot treatments in tea gardens and non-cropped areas. It also serves as an effective tool for managing glyphosate-resistant weed populations. Himax carries a Blue Label toxicity classification (moderately toxic) and requires standard safety precautions during handling and application.

Key Benefits

• Fast visible action – Weeds start yellowing within 2–3 days, with complete kill in 3–5 days after application.
• Rainfast within 4 hours – The high surfactant formulation ensures rain does not wash off the product after 4 hours of spraying, making it reliable even in unpredictable weather.
• No soil residue – Degrades rapidly in soil (3–10 days), so there is no carryover effect and crops can be rotated safely.
• Broad-spectrum weed control – Effectively controls tough grasses (Cynodon, Sorghum, Imperata), sedges (Cyperus), and broadleaf weeds (Parthenium, Amaranthus, Xanthium).
• Safer for inter-row spraying – Being a contact herbicide with limited movement, it poses less risk to the main crop compared to systemic herbicides like Glyphosate when used with a protective hood.
• Supports resistance management – A different mode of action (Group 10) makes it an effective alternative where glyphosate-resistant weeds have developed.
• Reduces manual weeding costs – Chemical weed control with Himax can be significantly more economical than manual labour, especially in large areas.

How It Works

Himax contains Glufosinate Ammonium, which belongs to the Group 10 (Glutamine Synthetase Inhibitor) class of herbicides as per IRAC classification. When sprayed on weed foliage, the high surfactant load (nearly 60% adjuvants) helps the liquid rapidly penetrate the waxy leaf surface of weeds. Once inside the plant cells, Glufosinate Ammonium blocks the glutamine synthetase enzyme — a critical enzyme responsible for converting toxic ammonia into glutamine, a harmless amino acid used by the plant.

When this enzyme is inhibited, ammonia accumulates to toxic levels inside the weed cells. This ammonia buildup destroys cell membranes, leading to rapid desiccation (drying out) and death of the treated plant tissue. Because Himax is primarily a contact herbicide with limited translocation, it only kills the green tissue it directly touches. This limited movement makes it safer for directed spraying in crops like cotton, as the herbicide does not move extensively through the plant to reach roots or untreated parts. The process requires sunlight for optimal activity, so Himax works best when applied on bright, sunny days.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Method of Application: Foliar spray using a knapsack sprayer or power sprayer fitted with flat-fan or flood-jet nozzle.

When to Use

Apply Himax when weeds are young and actively growing — ideally at the 2–4 leaf stage for annual weeds, or at the active vegetative growth/flowering stage for perennial weeds. Weeds are most susceptible to Glufosinate Ammonium at these early growth stages, and the herbicide works best when weeds are actively metabolizing.

For best results, spray on a bright, sunny day. The mode of action requires sunlight for optimal activity, and warm, sunny conditions enhance the "burn-down" effect. Avoid application during cloudy weather, just before rain, or when temperatures are extremely high, as these conditions can reduce efficacy. If rain is expected, ensure at least 4 hours of rain-free period after spraying, as the product is rainfast within 4 hours.

For pre-plant burndown in soybean, apply Himax to kill all existing vegetation before sowing. In cotton, use directed spraying at the base of the crop with a protective hood to prevent spray drift onto crop foliage. In tea gardens, use a spray shield to protect tea plants from herbicide contact.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare safety gear: Wear protective gloves, goggles or face shield, a mask, and full-body protective clothing before handling the product.
2. Measure the dose: For 1 acre, measure 1000–1320 ml of Himax depending on the crop and weed pressure. Use the recommended dose per acre — do not reduce or exceed it.
3. Mix with water: Fill the spray tank with half the required water (200–250 litres per acre). Add the measured quantity of Himax. Then add the remaining water and mix thoroughly. Use clean water for mixing.
4. Set up the sprayer: Use a flat-fan or flood-jet nozzle for uniform coverage. For cotton, attach a spray hood to protect crop leaves from herbicide drift.
5. Spray evenly: Apply as a foliar spray, ensuring thorough and uniform coverage of all weed foliage. Spray only on weeds — avoid contact with crop foliage as Himax is non-selective and will damage any green plant tissue it touches.
6. Post-application care: Do not irrigate the field for at least 6 hours after application. Avoid entering the sprayed area until the spray has dried completely.
7. Clean equipment: Thoroughly wash the sprayer and all equipment with clean water after use. Dispose of rinsate away from water sources.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, mask, goggles, and protective clothing while mixing, handling, and spraying Himax.
• Avoid contact: Avoid skin and eye contact with the product. Do not inhale the spray mist. Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Environmental safety: Do not spray near water bodies, ponds, or where there is a risk of runoff. Himax is moderately toxic to aquatic life — avoid contamination of water sources.
• Drift management: Do not spray during strong winds. Use a spray shield or hood when spraying near crop plants to prevent drift onto desirable vegetation.
• Storage: Store in the original container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep away from food, feed, and drinking water. Store out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of empty containers as per local regulations. Do not reuse containers for any purpose.
• First aid: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting — seek medical attention immediately. If on skin, wash with plenty of soap and water. If in eyes, rinse with clean water for 15 minutes. No specific antidote is available; treat symptomatically. Diazepam may be used for convulsions if needed.

PHI / REI & Storage

Shelf Life: 2 years from date of manufacture when stored in original sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Storage Conditions: Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep container tightly sealed when not in use.