IIL Green Mix Metsulfuron Methyl 10% + Chlorimuron Ethyl 10% WP Herbicide - Pre-Emergence Weed Control for Soybean, Rice, Cotton

IIL Green Mix is a powerful pre-emergence and early post-emergence herbicide from Insecticides India Limited, formulated as a Wettable Powder (WP) containing two active ingredients: Metsulfuron Methyl 10% and Chlorimuron Ethyl 10%. This combination herbicide is designed to provide broad-spectrum control over narrow leaf weeds, broadleaf weeds, and sedges in a wide range of crops including soybean, rice, cotton, groundnut, wheat, pulses, vegetables, and spices.

What makes Green Mix a practical choice for Indian farmers is its ultra-low dosage requirement of just 8 grams per acre. At such a small quantity, it effectively stops weed growth at the early stages, reducing competition for water, nutrients, and sunlight. The herbicide works systemically—absorbed by both leaves and roots of weeds—and moves to the growing points to stop further development. Weeds stop competing within hours, and complete control is visible within 14 to 21 days.

Green Mix belongs to the Sulfonylurea chemical group and carries IRAC Mode of Action Group B (ALS Inhibitors). It is classified under the Blue Triangle toxicity label (Caution), making it relatively safe when handled with basic precautions. The product is suitable for use in both pre-emergence (soybean, groundnut, pulses) and post-emergence (rice, wheat) applications depending on the crop, giving farmers flexibility in their weed management programs.

Key Benefits

• Ultra-low dosage saves money: Only 8 grams per acre is needed, making it highly economical compared to manual weeding or higher-dose herbicides.
• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls both narrow leaf weeds and broadleaf weeds, including tough sedges like Cyperus rotundus (Motha) and Cyperus iria.
• Systemic action stops regrowth: Absorbed through leaves and roots, it travels to growing points and stops weed growth from the inside, preventing regrowth.
• Protects crops during critical early stage: By eliminating weed competition early, crops get full access to nutrients, water, and sunlight for healthier growth.
• Dual active ingredient formula: Two powerful ALS-inhibitor herbicides work together for more reliable and complete weed control across multiple weed species.
• Safe for recommended crops: When used as directed at the correct timing, Green Mix is selective and does not harm the main crop.
• Reduces labour dependency: Cuts weed management costs by over 80% compared to manual weeding, saving time and labour expenses.

How It Works

Green Mix contains two active ingredients—Metsulfuron Methyl and Chlorimuron Ethyl—both belonging to the Sulfonylurea chemical group. These are ALS (Acetolactate Synthase) enzyme inhibitors, classified under IRAC Mode of Action Group B. The ALS enzyme is essential for producing amino acids that weeds need for growth and cell division.

When applied, the herbicide is absorbed by the weed through two pathways: the foliage (leaves) and the root system. Once inside the plant, it translocates (moves) to the actively growing points such as shoot tips and root meristems. At these sites, it blocks the ALS enzyme, stopping the production of essential amino acids. This immediately halts cell division and growth in the weed.

Although the weed stops competing for nutrients within 24 hours of application, visual symptoms take time to appear. Yellowing and wilting become visible within 3 to 7 days, and complete death of the weed occurs within 14 to 21 days. Because the herbicide reaches the roots and underground tubers, it also helps control perennial sedges like Motha (Cyperus rotundus) that are difficult to manage with contact herbicides alone.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

The standard dosage of IIL Green Mix is 8 grams per acre across all recommended crops. Use 200 to 240 litres of water per acre for proper coverage. The application timing varies by crop as shown below:

When to Use

For Soybean: Apply Green Mix strictly within 0 to 3 days of sowing as a pre-emergence treatment. Do not apply after the crop has emerged from the soil, as it may damage the crop. The herbicide creates a weed-free zone during the critical early growth phase.

For Rice (Paddy): Apply 15 to 25 days after transplanting when weeds are at the 2 to 4 leaf stage. Before spraying, drain the standing water from the field. After application, wait 24 to 48 hours before re-flooding the field. This ensures the herbicide reaches the weed roots and soil surface effectively.

For Wheat: Apply 25 to 35 days after sowing as a post-emergence treatment. This timing targets broadleaf weeds like Chenopodium album (Bathua) when they are young and actively growing.

For other crops (cotton, groundnut, pulses, vegetables, spices): Use as a pre-emergence application soon after sowing, following crop-specific recommendations. Always apply when soil moisture is adequate for the herbicide to activate properly.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the spray solution: Take 8 grams of Green Mix powder in a small mug or bucket. Add a little water and stir well to make a smooth slurry. This prevents clumping when added to the main tank.
2. Fill the spray tank: Fill your knapsack or power sprayer tank with about half the required water (200-240 litres total per acre).
3. Mix properly: Pour the prepared slurry into the tank while stirring continuously. Add the remaining water and mix thoroughly.
4. For rice fields: Drain all standing water before spraying. Ensure the field is moist but not flooded.
5. Spray evenly: Apply the mixture uniformly across the entire field using a flat-fan or flood-jet nozzle. Ensure complete coverage of the soil surface (for pre-emergence) or weed foliage (for post-emergence).
6. Post-spray care for rice: After spraying, wait 24 to 48 hours before re-flooding the field. This allows the herbicide to reach the soil and weed roots.
7. Clean equipment: After use, thoroughly rinse the spray tank and nozzles with clean water. Do not dispose of rinse water near water bodies or wells.

Compatibility

Green Mix is specifically formulated with two compatible active ingredients (Metsulfuron Methyl and Chlorimuron Ethyl). For tank mixing with other products such as insecticides, fungicides, or foliar fertilizers, it is advisable to conduct a small jar test before large-scale mixing. Avoid mixing with highly alkaline substances. For grass control, Green Mix does not control grassy weeds—a separate grass herbicide may be needed. Always consult the product label or an agriculture expert before tank mixing.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the herbicide. Wear full-sleeve clothing and boots.
• During spraying: Avoid inhalation of spray mist. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product. Spray in the direction of the wind to avoid drift.
• After use: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wash contaminated clothing separately.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not store near food, feed, or drinking water.
• Environmental safety: Do not spray near water bodies, ponds, or wells. Avoid drift to neighbouring crops, especially sensitive ones like maize or sunflower.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty sachets for any purpose. Dispose of them safely as per local guidelines.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• Green Mix is selective and safe for recommended crops (rice, soybean, wheat, cotton, groundnut, pulses, vegetables) when used at the correct dosage and timing.
• Do not use on crops like maize or sunflower without proper guidance, as these crops can be sensitive to sulfonylurea herbicide residues, especially in high-pH soils.
• If applied after crop emergence in soybean, it may cause damage. Strictly follow the pre-emergence timing (0-3 days after sowing) for soybean.
• Using less than 200 litres of water per acre can increase concentration and may cause crop injury. Always maintain proper dilution.
• In rice, ensure proper drainage before spraying. Standing water at the time of application can reduce effectiveness and cause uneven control.

PHI / REI & Storage

• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): Rice: 60-90 days; Soybean: 60-90 days; Wheat: 80-90 days. Always refer to the product leaflet for exact harvest timings.
• Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored in a cool, dry place.
• Storage Conditions: Store in original packaging, tightly sealed. Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Maintain temperature below 40°C.