Strike Herbicide (Atrazine 50% WP) – Selective Weed Control for Maize & Sugarcane by IIL

Overview

Strike Herbicide is a selective, systemic pre-emergence herbicide manufactured by Insecticides India Limited (IIL). It contains Atrazine 50% WP (Wettable Powder) and belongs to the Triazine chemical group. Strike is specially developed to control a broad spectrum of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in maize and sugarcane crops.

Strike works by being absorbed through both roots and foliage of susceptible weeds. It moves upward in the plant to areas of new growth and interferes with the photosynthesis process. This causes the weeds to dry out and die gradually. The product provides long-lasting residual action in the soil, giving season-long weed suppression with a single well-timed application. It can be used as a pre-emergence spray right after sowing or as an early post-emergence spray when weeds are at the 2–3 leaf stage.

Strike is a cost-effective herbicide that helps farmers manage tough, resistant weed populations in maize and sugarcane fields. It is compatible with most commonly used insecticides, making it a flexible option for integrated weed management programs. When used as per recommended dosage and safety precautions, it is safe for the crop and the environment.

Key Benefits

• Effectively controls a wide range of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in maize and sugarcane
• Systemic action through both root and foliar absorption ensures thorough weed control
• Long-lasting residual activity reduces the need for repeat applications
• Cost-effective solution for managing herbicide-resistant weed populations
• Can be used as pre-emergence or early post-emergence spray for flexible application timing
• Compatible with most commonly used insecticides for integrated pest management
• Safe for crops when applied at recommended dosages and timings

How It Works

Strike Herbicide contains Atrazine 50% WP, which belongs to the Triazine chemical group. Atrazine acts as a photosynthesis inhibitor. When applied to the soil or foliage, it is absorbed by weed roots and leaves. Once inside the plant, it moves upward through the xylem to areas of new growth. Atrazine blocks the electron transport chain in Photosystem II, which stops the plant from converting sunlight into energy. Without photosynthesis, the weed cannot produce food for survival. The plant gradually dries out, turns yellow, and dies. Older leaves on the weed typically show symptoms earlier and more prominently than newer leaves. Because Strike is both root-absorbed (soil acting) and foliar-absorbed, it provides dual-action control. Its residual activity in the soil continues to control germinating weed seeds for an extended period after application.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand	Insecticides India Limited (IIL)
Product Name	Strike Herbicide
Active Ingredient	Atrazine 50% WP
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
Chemical Group	Triazine
Mode of Entry	Selective, Systemic
Mode of Action	Photosynthesis inhibitor (Photosystem II)
Target Spectrum	Annual grasses and broadleaf weeds
Toxicity	Blue (low toxicity)
HSN Code	380893

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage per Acre	Water Volume per Acre
Maize	Trianthema monogyna, Digera arvensis, Echinochloa spp., Eleusine spp., Xanthium strumarium, Brachiaria spp., Digitaria spp., Amaranthus viridis, Cleome viscosa, Polygonum spp.	400–800 g	200–280 litres
Sugarcane	Portulaca oleracea, Digitaria spp., Boerhaavia diffusa, Euphorbia spp., Tribulus terrestris	400–1600 g	200–280 litres

Method of Application: Foliar spray using a knapsack sprayer with flat-fan or flood-jet nozzle for uniform coverage.

Application Timing: Apply as pre-emergence (soon after sowing but before weed emergence) or early post-emergence (at 2–3 leaf stage of weeds).

When to Use

Strike Herbicide is most effective when applied at the right time. For pre-emergence use, apply soon after sowing the crop but before weeds start germinating. The soil should have adequate moisture for the herbicide to be absorbed by weed roots. For early post-emergence use, apply when weeds are at the 2–3 leaf stage, as young weeds are more susceptible to Atrazine. Choose a calm day with no strong wind or expected rain to avoid spray drift and wash-off. Early morning or late afternoon hours are ideal for spraying. Avoid application during very hot or dry conditions, as weed control may be reduced. The long residual activity of Strike means one well-timed application can provide season-long weed suppression in most conditions.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water. Add the recommended quantity of Strike Herbicide powder while stirring continuously. Add the remaining water and mix well until the powder is fully dissolved.
2. Dilution guide: For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer, mix approximately 30–60 g of Strike (based on 400–800 g per acre dosage) in 15 litres of water. For a 200–280 litre per acre spray volume, use 2–2.5 g per litre of water.
3. Spray application: Use a flat-fan or flood-jet nozzle for even coverage. Apply as a uniform foliar spray over the soil surface (pre-emergence) or on young weeds (early post-emergence). Ensure the spray covers the entire field evenly.
4. Soil moisture: For best results, ensure the soil has adequate moisture at the time of application. This helps the herbicide move into the root zone for effective absorption.
5. Post-application: Do not disturb the soil after application, as this may reduce the herbicide layer effectiveness. Avoid irrigation or rainfall immediately after spraying.
6. Clean equipment: Rinse the spray tank and nozzles thoroughly with clean water after use. Dispose of rinsate safely away from water sources.

Compatibility

Strike Herbicide is compatible with most commonly used insecticides. If tank-mixing with other products, always perform a small jar test first to check for physical compatibility. Mix in the correct order: wettable powders first, then emulsifiable concentrates, then adjuvants. Do not mix with herbicides not approved for tank-mixing. Always follow label instructions for specific compatibility guidance.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear protective gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying Strike Herbicide
• Avoid spray drift into nearby water bodies, ponds, or non-target crops
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from food, feed, and children
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use
• Rinse empty containers thoroughly and dispose of safely; do not reuse for any purpose
• Avoid application during windy conditions or when rain is expected
• Keep away from domestic animals and poultry

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Strike Herbicide is safe for maize and sugarcane when used at the recommended dosage and timing. However, incorrect application or overdosing may cause temporary yellowing or stunting in sensitive crop varieties. Avoid spray drift onto sensitive crops like cotton, soybean, pulses, or vegetables, as Atrazine can cause injury to non-target plants. The product may be harmful to beneficial insects and aquatic organisms if applied incorrectly or if drift occurs into water bodies. Always follow label recommendations to minimise environmental impact.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
Shelf Life	2 years from date of manufacture when stored properly
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep container tightly sealed.
Storage Temperature	Below 40°C