Acetochlor 50% EC: High-Efficacy Pre-Emergence Herbicide for Crop Protection

2. Technical Specifications

2.1 Chemical & Formulation Details

• Active Ingredient: Acetochlor (CAS No. 34256-82-1)
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₀ClNO₂
• Formulation Type: 50% Emulsifiable Concentrate (500 g/L acetochlor)
• Physical State: Light amber oily liquid
• Solubility: 233 ppm in water; miscible in acetone, toluene
• pH Range: 5.0–9.0 (stable in most agricultural waters)
• Emulsion Stability: Passes 200x water dilution test with no phase separation

2.2 Mode of Action

1. Selective Uptake: Absorbed by germinating weed roots and shoots (coleoptiles in grasses, hypocotyls in broadleaves).
2. Biochemical Target: Inhibits fatty acid elongase (FAE), blocking very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis.
3. Impact on Weeds: Disrupts cell membrane formation, leading to meristematic tissue necrosis and stunted growth.
4. Symptom Timeline: Chlorosis within 5–7 days, complete weed death in 14–21 days.

3. Application Guide for Key Crops

3.1 Target Crops & Dosages

3.2 Application Best Practices

• Water Volume: 200–400 L/ha for uniform soil coverage.
• Adjuvants: Add non-ionic surfactant (0.25% v/v) to enhance soil adsorption.
• Environmental Conditions: Apply at 15–25°C; require 10–20 mm rainfall/irrigation within 7 days to activate residual layer.
• Tank Mixes:
  • Corn: Acetochlor 50% EC + atrazine (broadens spectrum)
  • Soybeans: Acetochlor 50% EC + sulfentrazone (improves broadleaf control)

4. Key Advantages of 50% EC Formulation

1. Enhanced Solubility: Organic solvent base ensures quick mixing and uniform distribution.
2. Residual Activity: 30–45 days of soil protection reduces herbicide application frequency.
3. Cost Efficiency: Lower application rates (1–3 L/ha) compared to granular formulations.
4. Crop Safety: Selective action in corn, soybeans, and peanuts due to metabolic detoxification.
5. Resistance Management: Effective against glyphosate-resistant weeds when tank-mixed with Group 9 herbicides.

5. Safety & Regulatory Considerations

5.1 Toxicity & Environmental Impact

• Mammalian Toxicity: Low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg for rats); wear PPE during application.
• Aquatic Risk: Toxic to fish and algae (keep 100 m from water bodies); avoid runoff.
• Soil Persistence: DT₅₀ 8–18 days (microbial degradation); minimal leaching in clay soils.

5.2 Rotational Crop Restrictions