Imazamox 2.5% SC Herbicide | Selective Weed Control Solution

Technical Specifications

Mode of Action

1. Uptake Pathways
   • Foliar Absorption: When sprayed, the herbicide is quickly absorbed by the leaves of target weeds. The unique chemical structure of imazamox enables it to penetrate the waxy cuticle of the leaves and enter the plant’s internal tissues.
   • Root Uptake: In addition to foliar uptake, imazamox can also be taken up by the roots of germinating or established weeds. This dual – uptake mechanism ensures that both emerged and newly germinating weeds can be effectively controlled.
2. Biochemical Disruption
   • Once inside the plant, imazamox inhibits the acetolactate synthase enzyme. This enzyme is crucial for the synthesis of branched – chain amino acids such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Without these essential amino acids, the plant cannot synthesize proteins necessary for growth, cell division, and maintenance of normal physiological functions.
3. Symptom Progression
   • Initial Stages (3 – 5 days): After application, the first visible signs are growth cessation. New leaves may show stunted growth, and there may be a slight yellowing or chlorosis, especially in the younger parts of the plant.
   • Advanced Stages (7 – 14 days): As the lack of amino acids continues to take its toll, widespread necrosis sets in. The leaves turn brown, wilt, and eventually die, leading to the complete collapse of the weed.

Application Guide

Application Best Practices

• Water Volume: Use 100 – 300 gallons of water per acre for ground applications to ensure even coverage. For aerial applications, adjust the water volume according to the specific guidelines provided for the application equipment.
• Adjuvants: Adding a methylated seed oil (MSO) adjuvant at a rate of 1% v/v can significantly enhance the efficacy of imazamox. MSO helps in better penetration of the herbicide through the leaf cuticle, especially for waxy – leaved weeds.
• Tank Mixes
  • In agricultural crops, imazamox can be tank – mixed with other herbicides with different modes of action to broaden the spectrum of weed control. For example, in soybean fields, it can be mixed with glyphosate for non – selective control of resistant weeds. However, always conduct a jar test before large – scale tank mixing to ensure compatibility.
  • In non – crop areas, it can be combined with other herbicides like 2,4 – D for better control of broadleaf weeds.
• Weather Conditions: Apply on calm days with temperatures between 60 – 85°F (15 – 29°C). Avoid spraying when rain is expected within 24 hours, as this can wash away the herbicide before it has a chance to be absorbed by the weeds. Also, high – temperature conditions can increase the risk of vapor drift, so avoid applications during extremely hot weather.

Key Advantages

1. Broad – Spectrum Control
   • Imazamox 2.5% SC can effectively control over 30 different species of grasses and broadleaf weeds. This includes many herbicide – resistant biotypes, making it a valuable tool in integrated weed management programs.
2. Systemic Efficacy
   • Its systemic nature ensures that the herbicide is translocated throughout the plant, reaching all parts including the roots, shoots, and growing points. This results in comprehensive weed control, even for perennial weeds with extensive root systems.
3. Crop Safety
   • When applied at the recommended rates, it shows excellent selectivity in crops such as soybeans, peanuts, and leguminous vegetables. The crop plants are able to rapidly metabolize imazamox, rendering it harmless, while the target weeds are unable to do so, leading to their death.
4. Flexible Application
   • It can be used in a variety of settings, from agricultural fields to non – crop areas like rights – of – way, industrial sites, and even in aquatic environments for controlling invasive aquatic weeds. It also has the advantage of being applicable both pre – and post – emergence, providing flexibility in timing according to the weed growth stage.
5. Residual Activity
   • Imazamox provides some residual soil activity, which helps in preventing the germination of new weed seeds for a certain period after application. This can reduce the frequency of re – applications and overall weed pressure in the treated area.

Safety & Environmental Notes

• Toxicity
  • Mammalian Toxicity: Imazamox has relatively low mammalian toxicity. The oral LD₅₀ (rat) is greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating a low risk of acute toxicity to humans and animals if ingested. However, it is still important to handle the product with care and follow all safety guidelines.
  • Aquatic Toxicity: It has moderate toxicity to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Avoid direct application into water bodies or areas where runoff is likely to enter water sources. Maintain a buffer zone of at least 50 feet (15 meters) from water bodies during application.
• Environmental Fate
  • Soil Degradation: In soil, imazamox degrades primarily through microbial action. The half – life in soil (DT₅₀) ranges from 10 – 30 days, depending on factors such as soil type, temperature, and moisture. This relatively short half – life helps in minimizing long – term soil residues.
  • Volatility: Imazamox has low volatility, which reduces the risk of vapor drift to non – target areas. However, proper application techniques should still be followed to avoid any potential off – target movement.
• Storage
  • Store Imazamox 2.5% SC in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The storage temperature should be maintained between 40 – 80°F (4 – 27°C). Keep the product in its original container, tightly sealed, and out of reach of children and pets.

Packaging & Compliance

• Standard Packs
  • Available in 1 – gallon, 2.5 – gallon, and 5 – gallon HDPE containers. The containers are designed to be leak – proof and easy to handle, with clear labeling indicating product information, safety instructions, and application guidelines.
• Custom Solutions
  • For large – scale agricultural operations or distributors, custom packaging options may be available. This can include private labeling with specific brand names and multilingual instructions to meet the needs of different regions.
  • The product is compliant with all major regulatory requirements in the United States (EPA – registered) and in many international markets. Regulatory support can be provided for countries in Europe, Asia – Pacific, and other regions to ensure proper registration and use.
• Shelf Life
  • Under recommended storage conditions, the shelf life of Imazamox 2.5% SC is 2 – 3 years. Regularly check the product for any signs of degradation such as separation, clumping, or changes in color or odor before use.

FAQ

1. Can Imazamox 2.5% SC control perennial weeds?
   • Yes, it can effectively control many perennial weeds such as common reed and some species of sedges. However, for deep – rooted perennials, multiple applications may be required, especially if the root system is extensive.
2. What is the pre – harvest interval (PHI)?
   • Soybeans: The PHI is typically 60 days.
   • Peanuts: The PHI is around 90 days.
   • Leguminous Vegetables: Varies by crop, but generally ranges from 30 – 60 days. Always check the product label for the specific PHI of the crop you are treating.
3. Is it safe to use near water sources?
   • While it has some level of aquatic toxicity, if used properly with the recommended buffer zones (at least 50 feet from water bodies), it can be used in areas near water. Avoid spraying on slopes where runoff is likely to carry the herbicide into water sources. In aquatic environments, follow the specific application rates and guidelines for controlling aquatic weeds to minimize impact on non – target aquatic organisms.
4. How can I manage herbicide resistance when using Imazamox?
   • Rotate Imazamox with herbicides from different mode – of – action groups. For example, in one season, use Imazamox, and in the next, use a Group 15 herbicide like acetochlor. Also, avoid consecutive annual applications of Imazamox in the same field. Mixing it with other herbicides with different modes of action can also help in reducing the selection pressure for resistant weeds.
5. Can it be used in organic farming?
   • No, Imazamox is a synthetic herbicide and is not approved for use in organic farming systems. Organic farming relies on non – synthetic methods such as mechanical weeding, mulching, and the use of certain approved natural herbicides.

Field Performance

• Soybean Field Trials in the Midwest, USA: In a study conducted over multiple seasons, application of Imazamox 2.5% SC at 48 fl. oz./acre provided over 90% control of common broadleaf weeds like lambsquarters and pigweed. Crabgrass control was also above 85% when applied at the recommended post – emergence stage. This led to an average yield increase of 15 – 20% compared to untreated plots.
• Peanut Farms in the Southeast, USA: At a dosage of 64 fl. oz./acre, Imazamox effectively controlled annual bluegrass and goosegrass, with control rates reaching up to 92%. Purslane control was also significant, at around 88%. The reduction in weed competition resulted in better – quality peanut pods and an average yield improvement of 12 – 18%.

Residue Limits