Quizalofop-ethyl 5% EC Herbicide Uses

Quizalofop-ethyl 5% EC is a selective, systemic aryloxyphenoxypropionate ("fop") herbicide registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act, 1968, formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC). It is registered for post-emergence control of grassy weeds — such as barnyard grass, crabgrass, crowfoot grass and goosegrass — in soybean, cotton, groundnut, black gram and onion. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the recommended dosage as per the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) official list of approved herbicide uses (Government of India).

Which Weeds Does This Control? (Field Identification Guide)

Not sure whether the weeds in your field match this herbicide's use case? This guide helps match weed identification to this herbicide's approved crop-wise uses.

Mode of Action

Quizalofop-ethyl is an aryloxyphenoxypropionate ("fop") herbicide that inhibits the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) — HRAC Group 1 (formerly Group A). Sprayed onto the leaves, it is absorbed within a few hours and moves through the plant's food stream to the growing points of grass weeds, where it blocks the fatty-acid synthesis needed to build new cell membranes. Growth of the grass stops within a day or two; the newest leaves turn yellow, the growing point at the base turns brown and rots so that the central shoot pulls out easily, and the weed dies over about 1–3 weeks. Inside the plant the ethyl ester is converted to the active quizalofop acid. Broadleaf crops such as soybean, cotton, groundnut, black gram and onion have a naturally insensitive form of ACCase, so they are not affected at the recommended dose — but for the same reason it has no effect on broadleaf weeds or sedges (motha).

Features & Benefits

• Selective post-emergence control of annual grassy weeds in broadleaf crops — soybean, cotton, groundnut, black gram and onion.
• Systemic action reaches the growing point of the grass, killing the whole weed rather than just scorching the leaves.
• Absorbed quickly by the leaves, so it is less likely to be washed off by rain a few hours after spraying.
• Flexible timing — can be sprayed after the crop and weeds have emerged, once the grass weeds are identified.
• Group 1 (ACCase inhibitor) mode of action is a useful partner with broadleaf herbicides and with herbicides of other groups in an integrated weed-management program.

Recommended Usage of Quizalofop-ethyl 5% EC Herbicide

The table below gives the recommended dose, water volume and waiting period per acre for each crop, converted from the CIB&RC-registered per-hectare rate — see the note below the table for conversion details. Always spray in the recommended water volume for uniform coverage, and confirm against the current product label before use.

Figures above are converted from the CIB&RC-registered per-hectare rates (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres): Soybean — 37.5–50 g a.i./ha, 0.75–1.0 L formulation/ha, 500–600 L water/ha, waiting period 95 days; Cotton — 1000 ml formulation/ha, 500 L water/ha, waiting period 94 days; Groundnut — 37.5–50 g a.i./ha, 750–1000 ml formulation/ha, 500 L water/ha, waiting period 89 days; Black gram — 37.5–50 g a.i./ha, 750–1000 ml formulation/ha, 500 L water/ha, waiting period 52 days; Onion — 37.5–50 g a.i./ha, 750–1000 ml formulation/ha, 375–450 L water/ha, waiting period 7 days. Always confirm the current dose on your specific product's label before use.

How to Use

1. Confirm your crop matches this herbicide's approved use — soybean, cotton, groundnut, black gram or onion — and identify the grassy weeds present using the guide above.
2. Spray post-emergence when the grass weeds are young and actively growing, generally at the 2–4 leaf stage (often about 15–25 days after sowing), or at the stage given on the product label.
3. Measure the dose, add it to a partly filled spray tank and top up to the full volume with clean water while stirring to form a uniform emulsion.
4. Use a knapsack sprayer fitted with a flat-fan nozzle and spray uniformly so the grass leaves are well covered.
5. Spray when the soil has adequate moisture and weeds are not under drought stress, in calm weather, and avoid spraying if rain is expected within a few hours.
6. Broadleaf weeds and sedges (motha) are not controlled; manage them separately by hand weeding or a suitable herbicide if present.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE — mask/respirator, gloves, goggles and full-sleeved clothing — while mixing and spraying, and avoid inhaling the spray mist.
• Quizalofop-ethyl kills grass crops — do not let the spray drift onto nearby paddy, wheat, maize, sorghum, bajra, sugarcane or fodder grasses.
• Respect the waiting period (PHI) before harvest: 95 days in soybean, 94 days in cotton, 89 days in groundnut, 52 days in black gram and 7 days in onion.
• Quizalofop-ethyl belongs to herbicide Group 1 (ACCase inhibitors); avoid repeated use of Group 1 herbicides alone season after season, and rotate with other weed-control methods to slow resistance development.
• Do not let spray, spray-tank washings or leftover solution reach ponds, fish tanks, streams or drinking-water sources.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food and feed, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after spraying, and change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking.

Brand names mentioned on this page are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are referenced here for identification purposes only; FarmMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. This page is for general information only — always consult your local agricultural extension office and confirm the current product label before use.