IIL Hakama Herbicide - Quizalofop Ethyl 5% EC for Grassy Weed Control in Soybean, Cotton & Groundnut

Key Benefits

• Selective grass weed control: Targets only narrow-leaf grassy weeds without harming broadleaf crops like soybean, cotton, and groundnut.
• Systemic root kill: Travels through the weed's system down to roots and rhizomes, effectively killing perennial grasses like Doob grass and preventing regrowth.
• Rapid rainfastness: Gets absorbed within 1 hour of application, so unexpected rain will not wash away the chemical.
• Quick growth arrest: Weeds stop competing for nutrients within 1-2 days of spraying, even before visible symptoms appear.
• Broad spectrum control: Effective against a wide range of annual and perennial grassy weeds including Barnyard grass, Johnson grass, Crabgrass, and Foxtail.
• Flexible post-emergence application: Can be applied at any crop stage when weeds are actively growing, giving farmers high flexibility.
• Safe for bees: Practically non-toxic to bees, making it suitable for use during flowering stages of crops like cotton.

How It Works

IIL Hakama contains Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5% EC, which belongs to the Aryloxyphenoxypropionate (FOPs) chemical group. It works by inhibiting the ACCase enzyme, which is essential for lipid (fat) synthesis in grasses. Broadleaf crops do not depend on this enzyme in the same way, which is why the herbicide is selective and safe for them.

When sprayed on weed foliage, the active ingredient is rapidly absorbed through the leaves and converted into its active acid form. It then travels through the plant's phloem (vascular system) to the growing tips, meristems, and down into the roots and rhizomes. This systemic movement ensures that even underground parts of perennial weeds are reached and destroyed.

Once inside the weed, the herbicide blocks lipid production, which disrupts cell membrane formation and stops the weed from growing. Within 1-2 days, the weed stops consuming water and nutrients. Visible symptoms — yellowing, purplish-red discolouration, and a "dead heart" (central leaf that pulls out easily) — appear in 5-8 days. Complete death of the weed occurs in 14-21 days, depending on the weed species and growing conditions.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand	IIL Hakama (Tractor Brand)
Technical Name	Quizalofop-p-ethyl 5% EC
Formulation	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
Chemical Group	Aryloxyphenoxypropionate (FOPs)
IRAC MoA Code	Group 1 (Formerly Group A)
Mode of Action	Systemic, Lipid synthesis inhibitor (ACCase inhibitor)
Selectivity	Selective (targets only grassy weeds)
Time of Application	Post-emergent
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Dosage per Acre:

• Annual Grasses: 300 to 400 ml per acre
• Perennial Grasses (like Doob grass, Johnson grass): 500 to 600 ml per acre

Water Volume: Mix with 150 to 200 litres of water per acre.

Dilution Rate: Approximately 2 ml per litre of water.

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage (ml/acre)	Water (L/acre)	PHI (Days)
Soybean	Barnyard grass, Foxtail, Volunteer Rice, Digitaria marginata	300-400	150-200	69-100
Cotton	Goosegrass, Barnyard grass, Viper grass, Eleusine indica	300-400	150-200	94
Groundnut	Crabgrass, Doob grass, Johnson grass, Setaria spp.	300-600	150-200	—
Onion	Echinochloa spp., Dinebra retroflexa	300-400	150-200	7
Garlic	Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica	300-400	150-200	—
Black Gram	Eragrostis spp., Dactyloctenium spp.	300-400	150-200	52
Green Gram	Digitaria marginata, Eleusine indica	300-400	150-200	—
Mentha	Doob grass (Cynodon dactylon)	500-600	150-200	—
Vegetables	Echinochloa spp., Doob grass	300-400	150-200	—

When to Use

Apply IIL Hakama as an early post-emergence spray, ideally 15-25 days after sowing (DAS), when weeds are young and actively growing at the 2-4 leaf stage. This is the most effective window because young weeds are more sensitive to the herbicide and easier to control.

The product works best when weeds are actively growing and soil moisture is adequate. Avoid spraying during drought stress or extreme heat, as weed uptake may be reduced. For perennial grasses like Doob grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), apply when the weeds have sufficient foliage to absorb the spray — typically when they are 15-20 cm tall and actively growing.

Hakama can be applied at any crop stage as a post-emergent treatment, giving farmers flexibility to time the application based on weed emergence patterns in their fields.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing before handling the product.
2. Measure the correct dose: Use 300-400 ml per acre for annual grasses, or 500-600 ml per acre for tough perennial grasses like Doob grass.
3. Mix with water: Fill the spray tank with half the required water (75-100 litres per acre). Add the measured dose of Hakama and stir well. Add the remaining water and agitate thoroughly.
4. Check the nozzle: Use a Flat Fan nozzle or Flood Jet nozzle for uniform coverage on weed leaves.
5. Spray evenly: Apply the mixture directly on weed foliage. Ensure complete and uniform wetting of the weed leaves for best results.
6. Avoid rain: Ensure at least 1 hour of dry weather after spraying. Hakama becomes rainfast within 1 hour of application.
7. Clean equipment: Rinse the spray tank and nozzles thoroughly with clean water after use. Use the triple-rinse method for empty containers before disposal.

Compatibility

IIL Hakama is physically compatible with many common insecticides such as Chlorantraniliprole (Coragen) and Pyrethroids. However, do NOT mix Hakama with broadleaf herbicides like 2,4-D or Imazethapyr in the same tank, as this reduces its effectiveness against grassy weeds. If both grass and broadleaf weed control is needed, apply them separately with a gap of 3-5 days. Also avoid mixing with alkaline substances like Bordeaux mixture. Always perform a jar test before mixing with any new product to check compatibility.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal protection: Always wear gloves, mask, goggles, and protective clothing during mixing and spraying.
• Keep away: Store in original packaging in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and children.
• Environmental care: Toxic to fish and aquatic life. Do not spray near ponds, rivers, or water bodies. Avoid spray drift to non-target areas.
• Do not overuse: Follow the recommended dosage strictly. Do not exceed the specified dose per acre.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product.
• Do not apply on grass crops: Hakama will kill grass crops like Maize (Corn), Rice, Wheat, and Sugarcane. Use only on recommended broadleaf crops.
• First aid: In case of accidental contact with skin or eyes, wash immediately with plenty of clean water. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately. No specific antidote — treat symptomatically.

PHI / REI & Storage

Crop	PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Soybean	69-100 days
Cotton	94 days
Onion	7 days
Black Gram	52 days

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in original container with lid tightly closed. Keep away from food, feed, and children.