Diuron Herbicide | Selective Pre- and Post-Emergence Weed Control

Diuron is a systemic herbicide from the urea family, valued for controlling annual grassy and broadleaf weeds in crops like cotton, sugarcane, and potatoes. As a photosystem II (PSII) inhibitor, it disrupts photosynthesis by blocking electron transport, leading to chlorosis and plant death. Excluding EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) and SP (Soluble Powder) formulations, Diuron is primarily available in WP (Wettable Powder) and SC (Suspension Concentrate) for versatile weed management.

Technical Specifications

Active Ingredient: Diuron (CAS No. 330-54-1)
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₀ClN₃O₂
Mode of Action: Inhibits PSII, blocking electron flow in chloroplasts.
Key Formulations:
- 80% WP (Wettable Powder): Fine powder for water-soluble spraying.
- 500g/L SC (Suspension Concentrate): Stable liquid suspension for uniform coverage.
Target Crops: Cotton, sugarcane, potatoes, citrus, non-crop areas (e.g., railways).
Target Weeds:
- Annual Grasses: Crabgrass, barnyardgrass, foxtail.
- Broadleaf Weeds: Pigweed, lambsquarters, velvetleaf.

Mode of Action

Uptake: Roots (pre-emergence) and leaves (post-emergence).
PSII Inhibition: Binds to D1 protein, halting ATP/NADPH production.
Symptoms:
- 2–5 days: Chlorosis in older leaves.
- 7–14 days: Widespread necrosis.

Application Guide

Crop	Formulation	Dosage (kg a.i./ha)	Timing
Cotton	80% WP	1.0–2.0	Pre-emergence (post-planting)
Sugarcane	500g/L SC	1.5–3.0	Post-emergence (2–4 leaf stage)
Potatoes	80% WP	0.5–1.0	Pre-emergence (immediately after planting)
Citrus Orchards	80% WP	2.0–4.0	Post-emergence (directed spray)

Tips:

Water Volume: 200–400 L/ha for WP; 300–500 L/ha for SC.
Adjuvants: Add non-ionic surfactant (0.25% v/v) for WP post-emergence.
Soil Moisture: Pre-emergence requires 10–20 mm rainfall within 7 days.

Key Advantages

Dual Activity: Pre- and post-emergence control.
Long Residual: 30–90 days soil half-life.
Formulation Flexibility: WP for water-soluble use; SC for stable suspension.
Crop Safety: Selective in cotton, sugarcane at labeled rates.

Safety & Environment

Toxicity: Low to mammals (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg), toxic to fish (keep 100m from water).
Soil Mobility: Moderate in sandy soils; risk of groundwater contamination.

Packaging

80% WP: 1kg, 5kg, 25kg bags.
500g/L SC: 5L, 20L HDPE containers.

Contact us for regional application guides or resistance management strategies.

Diuron Herbicide FAQ

1. What is Diuron, and how does it work?

Diuron is a selective herbicide from the urea family that inhibits photosystem II (PSII) in plants, blocking electron transport and disrupting photosynthesis. This leads to chlorosis, necrosis, and death of target weeds. It works both pre-emergence (absorbed by roots) and post-emergence (absorbed by leaves).

2. What formulations of Diuron are available?

Key formulations exclude EC and SP, focusing on:

80% WP (Wettable Powder): Water-soluble powder for spraying.
500g/L SC (Suspension Concentrate): Stable liquid suspension for uniform coverage.

3. Which crops is Diuron suitable for?

Diuron is registered for:

Row crops: Cotton, sugarcane, potatoes.
Perennial crops: Citrus orchards, vineyards.
Non-crop areas: Railways, industrial sites, roadways.

4. What weeds does Diuron control?

Annual grasses: Crabgrass, barnyardgrass, foxtail, green foxtail.
Broadleaf weeds: Pigweed, lambsquarters, velvetleaf, amaranth.
Limited perennial control: Suppresses bindweed and Canada thistle.

5. What is the recommended application rate?

Cotton: 1.0–2.0 kg a.i./ha (80% WP) pre-emergence.
Sugarcane: 1.5–3.0 kg a.i./ha (500g/L SC) post-emergence.
Potatoes: 0.5–1.0 kg a.i./ha (80% WP) pre-emergence.

6. Can Diuron be applied post-emergence?

Yes. Post-emergence application targets young weeds (2–4 leaf stage). Add a non-ionic surfactant (0.25% v/v) to enhance leaf absorption.

7. How long does Diuron remain active in soil?

Diuron has a soil half-life of 30–90 days, providing 2–3 months of residual weed control. Activity is longer in alkaline soils (pH >7) and shorter in acidic conditions.

8. Is Diuron safe for crops?

When used at labeled rates, Diuron is selective for cotton, sugarcane, and potatoes. Avoid contact with crop foliage during post-emergence application to minimize temporary chlorosis.

9. What are the environmental risks of Diuron?

Aquatic toxicity: Highly toxic to fish and algae; maintain 100 m buffer from water bodies.
Soil mobility: Moderate leaching potential in sandy soils, posing groundwater risk.
Degradation: Breaks down via microbial action and photolysis.

10. How to manage herbicide resistance with Diuron?

HRAC Group 7: Rotate with Group 15 (e.g., S-metolachlor) or Group 2 (e.g., chlorimuron-ethyl).
Tank mixes: Combine with herbicides of different modes of action (e.g., Diuron + glyphosate).

11. What is the pre-harvest interval (PHI)?

Cotton: 60 days
Sugarcane: 90 days
Potatoes: 120 days
Consult local regulations for region-specific PHI guidelines.

12. Can Diuron be used in organic farming?

No. Diuron is a synthetic herbicide prohibited in organic systems. Organic alternatives include mulching or mechanical weeding.

13. How to handle Diuron safely?

Wear PPE: Gloves, goggles, long sleeves.
Avoid inhalation or skin contact.
Store in a cool, dry place away from food and water sources.

14. What to do in case of accidental exposure?

Inhalation: Move to fresh air.
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek medical help with product label.

15. How does Diuron affect rotational crops?

Sensitive crops (e.g., beets, crucifers, spinach) may require 6–12 months before planting. Tolerant crops like corn and soybeans can follow shorter intervals (4–6 months).

16. Can Diuron be applied via irrigation systems?

Yes, via chemigation for pre-emergence application in row crops. Ensure uniform distribution and follow label rates.

17. Is Diuron effective against glyphosate-resistant weeds?

Yes, as a PSII inhibitor, Diuron works against weeds resistant to glyphosate (Group 9). Tank mixing enhances control of resistant biotypes like Palmer amaranth.

18. What is the shelf life of Diuron formulations?

80% WP: 2–3 years when stored sealed at <30°C.
500g/L SC: 2 years; shake well before use to prevent sedimentation.

19. How to dispose of leftover Diuron?

Do not dump into water or soil.
Dispose of empty containers according to local hazardous waste regulations.

20. Are there regional restrictions on Diuron use?

Yes. Some countries restrict Diuron in sensitive areas (e.g., near water bodies). Always consult local agricultural authorities or the product label for compliance.