Metribuzin 70% WP Herbicide | Selective Weed Control for Soybeans, Potatoes, and Sugarcane

Metribuzin 70% WP (Wettable Powder) is a selective herbicide designed for pre-emergent and post-emergent control of annual broadleaf weeds and some grasses in soybeans, potatoes, sugarcane, and other crops. Belonging to the triazinone family, it inhibits photosynthetic electron transport, leading to weed chlorosis and death. The 70% WP formulation (700 g/kg metribuzin) offers excellent water dispersibility, ensuring uniform coverage and efficient weed management.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Active Ingredient	Metribuzin (CAS No. 21087-64-9)
Chemical Class	Triazinone
Mode of Action	Inhibits photosystem II (HRAC Group 5)
Formulation Type	70% WP (700 g/kg active ingredient)
Appearance	Off-white fine powder
Solubility	420 mg/L in water (20°C)
pH Range (Suspension)	5.5–7.5
Density	0.8–1.0 g/cm³

Mode of Action

Dual Uptake Mechanism:
- Root & Foliar Absorption: Taken up by roots of germinating seedlings and leaves of emerged weeds.
Photosynthetic Disruption:
- Blocks electron transport in photosystem II, preventing ATP and NADPH production, leading to chlorophyll degradation.
Symptom Progression:
- 3–5 days: Yellowing (chlorosis) in older leaves
- 7–10 days: Widespread necrosis and plant death

Application Guide

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage (g ai/ha)	Application Timing
Soybeans	Lambsquarters, pigweed, crabgrass	500–1000	Pre-emergent (0–3 days after planting)
Potatoes	Chenopodium, annual bluegrass	700–1200	Pre-emergent (before crop emergence)
Sugarcane	Wild oats, purslane	800–1500	Post-emergent (2–4 leaf stage of weeds)
Vegetables	Chickweed, lamb’s – quarters	400–800	Pre-emergent or early post-emergent

Application Best Practices

Water Volume: 200–400 L/ha for ground application; ensure thorough mixing.
Adjuvants: Add non-ionic surfactant (0.2% v/v) for post-emergent applications.
Tank Mixes:
- With S-metolachlor for pre-emergent grass control in soybeans
- With glyphosate for non-selective fallow field treatment
Weather Conditions: Apply in cool, dry weather (15–25°C); avoid spraying before rain.

Key Advantages

Broad-Spectrum Broadleaf Control:
- Effective against 40+ annual broadleaf weeds; moderate control of grasses.
Residual Soil Activity:
- Provides 2–4 weeks of residual control, reducing early-season weed pressure.
Crop Safety:
- Selective in soybeans, potatoes, and sugarcane when applied as directed.
Flexible Application:
- Suits pre-emergent (soil) and early post-emergent (foliar) strategies.
Low Mammalian Toxicity:
- LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg (rat); minimal risk to non-target organisms.

Safety & Environmental Notes

Toxicity:
- Moderate toxicity to fish (LC₅₀ 1–10 mg/L); maintain 100 m buffer from water bodies.
- Low toxicity to bees (LD₅₀ > 100 μg/bee).
Crop Rotation Restrictions:
- Avoid planting sensitive crops (e.g., crucifers, beets) within 12 months of application.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place (5–30°C), protected from moisture.

Packaging & Compliance

Standard Packs: 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg HDPE bags
Regulatory Support:
- EPA, EU, and global registration dossiers available
Shelf Life: 3 years under recommended conditions

FAQ

Can Metribuzin 70% WP control perennial weeds?
Primarily targets annuals; use systemic herbicides for perennials.
What is the pre-harvest interval (PHI)?
- Soybeans: 45 days
- Potatoes: 30 days
- Sugarcane: 60 days
Is it compatible with liquid fertilizers?
Yes, but jar-test first; avoid high-N solutions.
How to manage triazinone-resistant weeds?
Rotate with Group 15 (acetochlor) or Group 14 (fomesafen) herbicides.
Can it be used in no-till systems?
Yes, apply pre-emergent with sufficient soil moisture for activation.

Field Performance

Soybean Trials in Argentina:
700 g ai/ha + S-metolachlor controlled 90% of lambsquarters and crabgrass, increasing yield by 15%.
Potato Trials in the US Pacific Northwest:
1000 g ai/ha reduced weed density by 85%, improving tuber quality.