IIL Weedgrip Plus Metsulfuron Methyl 20% WP Herbicide - Broadleaf Weed Control for Wheat, Rice & Sugarcane

Overview

IIL Weedgrip Plus is a systemic, post-emergence herbicide from Insecticides India Limited, formulated as Metsulfuron Methyl 20% WP (Wettable Powder). It belongs to the Sulfonylurea chemical group and works as an ALS inhibitor (IRAC MoA Group B). This herbicide is specifically designed to control a wide range of broadleaf weeds and sedges in three major crops: Wheat, Transplanted Rice, and Sugarcane.

What makes Weedgrip Plus stand out is its low-dose, high-precision approach—requiring just 8 to 12 grams per acre depending on the crop. It is absorbed through both leaves and roots, then moves systemically to the growing points of the weed, stopping growth quickly. While visual symptoms like yellowing take 7–14 days, the weed stops competing for nutrients and water almost immediately after application. The product carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label (Class U - Unlikely Acute Hazard), indicating relatively low acute toxicity when handled properly.

Weedgrip Plus is ideal for farmers dealing with stubborn weeds like Bathua (Chenopodium), Senji (Melilotus), Krishan Neel (Anagallis), Motha (Cyperus/Sedges), Parthenium (Gajar Ghas), Ludwigia, and Marsilea. Its metabolic selectivity ensures safety for wheat and rice, as these crops can naturally break down the chemical while target weeds cannot.

Key Benefits

• Immediate Growth Arrest: Weeds stop growing within hours of application. Even though visible death takes time, the weed stops stealing nutrients and water from your crop right away.
• Systemic Root-to-Shoot Control: Absorbed through foliage and roots, the chemical moves throughout the weed and kills it from the inside out—reducing the chance of regrowth.
• Low Dose, High Efficiency: Only 8 grams per acre for wheat and rice, and 12 grams for sugarcane. This means less chemical handling, lower input cost, and reduced environmental load.
• Crop Safety Through Metabolic Selectivity: Wheat and rice naturally metabolize (break down) Metsulfuron Methyl, making it safe for these crops while weeds cannot detoxify it and die.
• Rainfast Within 4 Hours: The formulation is rapidly absorbed by plant tissues. Light rain or irrigation 4 hours after spraying will not reduce effectiveness.
• Broad Spectrum Control: Effectively controls multiple broadleaf weeds and sedges in a single application—reducing the need for multiple herbicides.

How It Works

Weedgrip Plus works by starving the weed. Its active ingredient, Metsulfuron Methyl, targets the ALS enzyme (Acetolactate Synthase)—an enzyme that plants need to produce essential amino acids (Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine). When this enzyme is blocked, the weed cannot make proteins needed for cell division and growth.

Here is how it works step by step:
1. Absorption: When sprayed on the foliage, the herbicide is absorbed through the leaves. It is also taken up by the roots from the soil solution.
2. Translocation: Once inside the weed, it moves through the plant's vascular system to the growing tips (meristems)—the parts where new cells are formed.
3. Inhibition: At the growing points, it blocks the ALS enzyme. This stops the production of amino acids, which in turn halts cell division.
4. Death: The weed stops growing within hours. Over the next 7–14 days, it turns yellow, then red or brown, and eventually dies completely within 2–4 weeks.

Important to note: Slow visual death is normal for this chemistry. The weed may look green for a few days, but it has already stopped competing with your crop. Do not re-spray thinking it did not work.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Important: This is a low-dose herbicide. Accuracy in measuring the dose is critical. Using more than the recommended dose can cause crop injury (phytotoxicity) and waste money.

When to Use

Wheat: Apply 25–35 days after sowing, when weeds are at the 2–4 leaf stage. Do not apply after the jointing stage of the crop.

Transplanted Rice: Apply 20–30 days after transplanting, when weeds are young and actively growing.

Sugarcane: Apply when weeds are at early growth stage (2–4 leaf stage) for best results.

General Timing Tips:
- Apply when weeds are young and actively growing (2–4 leaf stage). Older weeds are harder to control.
- Avoid spraying during extreme heat, drought stress, or when rain is expected within 4 hours.
- Ensure the soil has adequate moisture for good herbicide activity.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the solution (Pre-creaming is essential)
Do NOT dump the powder directly into the spray tank. Take the required amount of Weedgrip Plus in a small mug or bucket, add a little water, and stir well to make a uniform paste/solution.

Step 2: Fill the spray tank
Fill the knapsack sprayer tank with half the required water. Pour the pre-creamed solution into the tank while stirring. Add the remaining water and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Add surfactant (if applicable)
For Wheat and Sugarcane: Add a non-ionic surfactant to help the spray stick to waxy weed leaves.
For Rice: Do NOT use surfactant. It can cause crop injury in rice.

Step 4: Spray evenly
Use Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzles for uniform coverage. Spray evenly across the field. Do not overlap spray areas to avoid double-dosing, which can cause phytotoxicity.

Step 5: Clean up
After spraying, thoroughly clean all equipment with water. Wash hands and any exposed skin with soap and water.

Compatibility

In Wheat, Weedgrip Plus can be tank-mixed with Clodinafop-propargyl (e.g., Jai-Ho or Topik) to control grassy weeds like Phalaris minor (Gulli Danda) alongside broadleaf weeds. Always mix each product separately in a small amount of water before adding to the tank. Do not mix with alkaline substances. If uncertain about compatibility with other products, perform a small jar test before full-scale mixing.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, a mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the herbicide.
• During Spraying: Avoid inhalation of spray mist. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• After Use: Wash hands, face, and all exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Wash contaminated clothing separately.
• Storage: Store in original sealed packaging in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and children. Shelf life is 2 years from manufacture date.
• Environmental Care: Avoid spray drift to nearby sensitive crops like cotton, vegetables, and mustard. Do not allow runoff into water bodies.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers for any purpose. Dispose of them safely as per local guidelines.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• Overlapping spray or using higher than recommended dose can cause crop yellowing or stunting (phytotoxicity). Always measure accurately.
• Do not use surfactant in rice—it can cause crop injury.
• Metsulfuron residues can affect sensitive rotational crops like Maize, Sunflower, Mustard, or Vegetables if soil pH is high or rainfall is low. A waiting period or deep ploughing is recommended before planting sensitive crops.

PHI / REI & Storage