IIL Oxim Herbicide - Quizalofop Ethyl 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC for Onion & Garlic Weed Control

IIL Oxim is a specialized post-emergence herbicide from Insecticides (India) Limited, designed to give onion and garlic farmers a powerful one-shot solution for both narrow-leaf (grassy) and broadleaf weeds. It combines two active ingredients — Quizalofop Ethyl 4% and Oxyfluorfen 6% — in an Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) formulation. This dual-action herbicide works through both systemic and contact modes, ensuring that weeds are controlled from the roots to the leaves.

Oxim is specifically developed for the onion crop, which is highly sensitive to weed competition during its early growth stages. Weeds not only increase input costs by requiring manual labour but also act as alternate hosts for pests, leading to significant yield losses. With Oxim, farmers can effectively manage mixed weed flora in a single spray, reducing dependence on expensive and time-consuming manual weeding. The product is safe for the crop when used as per recommendations and offers excellent rainfastness — its efficacy is not affected even if it rains 1–2 hours after spraying.

Oxim is most effective when applied 15–25 days after transplanting (DAT) or sowing, when weeds are in the 2–3 leaf stage. It is particularly beneficial for regions where onions are directly sown and manual weeding is difficult and costly. The product has been launched to serve onion farmers across major growing states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, and Rajasthan.

Key Benefits

• Dual-action weed control: Combines systemic root-killing action for grassy weeds with contact burn-down for broadleaf weeds, ensuring no weed escapes.
• Broad spectrum coverage: Controls both narrow-leaf weeds (like Barnyard grass, Crabgrass, Goosegrass) and broadleaf weeds (like Pigweed/Chaulai, Lambsquarters/Bathua, Purslane) in a single spray.
• Reduces labour costs: Drastically cuts down the need for manual weeding, saving over 75% on labour expenses compared to hand weeding.
• Excellent rainfastness: Absorbs quickly into the plant system and becomes rainfast within 1–2 hours, making it ideal for monsoon season use.
• Crop-safe for onion and garlic: Specifically engineered for crops with waxy leaves — targets weeds without harming the crop when applied correctly.
• Residual soil barrier: Forms a chemical film on the soil surface that kills emerging weed seedlings, keeping the field clean for weeks after application.
• Quick visible results: Broadleaf weeds show burning and drying within 24–48 hours, while grassy weeds develop "dead heart" within days.

How It Works

Oxim uses a unique "Double Attack" strategy that works through three distinct mechanisms to ensure complete weed control.

1. Systemic Kill (The Roots): The Quizalofop Ethyl component belongs to the ACCase inhibitor group (IRAC Group 1). It is absorbed by the leaves of grassy weeds and travels down through the plant's vascular system to the roots and growing points (meristems). It stops the production of fatty acids needed for cell membrane formation, effectively halting growth at the root level. This causes the characteristic "dead heart" symptom in grassy weeds within a few days, ensuring the weed does not regrow.

2. Contact Burn (The Leaves): The Oxyfluorfen component belongs to the PPO inhibitor group (IRAC Group 14). It acts on contact with the weed foliage. When exposed to sunlight, it triggers a reaction that disrupts cell membranes, causing rapid drying (necrosis) and burning of broadleaf weeds. Visible effects can be seen within 24–48 hours of application.

3. Residual Barrier (The Soil): A portion of the Oxyfluorfen reaches the soil surface and forms a chemical film. This barrier kills germinating weed seedlings before they can establish themselves, providing extended protection and keeping the field weed-free for several weeks after application.

This triple-action approach makes Oxim highly effective against mixed weed populations, combining speed of action with lasting residual control.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Oxim
Brand	Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL) — Tractor Brand
Technical Content	Quizalofop Ethyl 4% + Oxyfluorfen 6% EC
Formulation Type	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 1 (ACCase) + Group 14 (PPO)
Chemical Group	Aryloxyphenoxypropionate + Diphenyl Ether
Category	Herbicide (Post-emergence)
Classification	Chemical
Toxicity Label	Blue / Yellow (Moderately Toxic)
HSN Code	38089199
Available Pack Sizes	250 ml, 400 ml

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Dose per Acre	Water Volume per Acre	Dose per Litre of Water	PHI (Days)
Onion	350–400 ml	150–200 L	2.0–2.5 ml	30+ days
Garlic	350–400 ml	150–200 L	2.0–2.5 ml	30+ days
Groundnut	350–400 ml	200 L	2.0 ml	As per label

Note: Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. Do not under-dose water volume as sufficient water is needed for the contact action to work effectively.

When to Use

Timing for Onion & Garlic: Apply Oxim 15–25 days after transplanting (DAT) or 15–20 days after sowing. The crop should have at least 2 true leaves before spraying. Do NOT spray if the onion has less than 2 true leaves.

Weed Stage: Apply when weeds are in the 2–3 leaf stage for best results. Weeds are most vulnerable at this early growth stage.

Season: Suitable for both Rabi and Kharif seasons. The product's excellent rainfastness (1–2 hours) makes it especially useful during the monsoon Kharif season.

Soil Condition: Ensure the soil has good moisture at the time of spraying for best results.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check crop stage: Ensure the onion or garlic crop has at least 2 true leaves and is 15–25 days after transplanting or sowing.
2. Check weed stage: Confirm weeds are small and in the 2–3 leaf stage for maximum effectiveness.
3. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the measured dose of Oxim (350–400 ml per acre). Mix well. Add the remaining water and stir thoroughly.
4. No extra additives: Do NOT add any stickers, spreaders, or glue (chipko) to the spray solution. The product already contains necessary adjuvants. Adding extra can burn the crop.
5. Select the right nozzle: Use a Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzle for proper coverage.
6. Apply evenly: Spray uniformly over the crop and weeds. Ensure complete coverage of weed foliage for best contact action.
7. Post-spray care: Do not disturb the field for at least 1–2 hours after spraying. Rain after this period will not reduce efficacy.
8. Clean equipment: Thoroughly wash the sprayer and all equipment after use.

Compatibility

Do NOT mix Oxim with stickers, spreaders, or adjuvants. The product already contains built-in adjuvants, and adding extra surfactants or spreaders can remove the protective wax layer from onion and garlic leaves, causing severe crop burning. If tank-mixing with other products is being considered, always conduct a small jar test first and consult the product label or an agriculture expert.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying Oxim.
• Avoid drift: Do not spray on windy days. Avoid spray drift onto neighbouring sensitive crops like cotton.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product. Do not eat, drink, or smoke during application.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers for any purpose. Dispose of them safely as per local guidelines.
• Environmental care: Avoid contamination of ponds, rivers, and water bodies. Do not spray near water sources.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Minor necrotic spotting (white or yellow dots) on onion leaves may be observed after spraying due to the contact action of Oxyfluorfen. This is a cosmetic effect — the new leaves that emerge will be healthy, and the crop recovers quickly without any yield loss. This is normal and not a cause for concern. To avoid excessive burning, never add extra stickers or spreaders, and always use the recommended dosage.

PHI / REI & Storage

• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): Minimum 30 days for Onion and Garlic. Follow label recommendations for other crops.
• Rainfastness: 1–2 hours after spraying.
• Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored under normal conditions.
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly sealed.