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

Linuron is a selective herbicide from the urea family, designed to control annual broadleaf and grassy weeds in vegetables, fruits, field crops, and non-crop areas. As a photosystem II inhibitor, it blocks photosynthesis in target plants, leading to rapid chlorosis and death. Its versatility across pre- and post-emergence applications, combined with low volatility and residual soil activity, makes it a trusted tool for growers managing diverse cropping systems.

Technical Specifications

Active Ingredient: Linuron (CAS No. 330-55-2)
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₀Cl₂N₂O₂
Mode of Action: Inhibits photosystem II (PSII), disrupting electron transport in photosynthesis.
Formulations:
- 50% WP (Wettable Powder)
- 400g/L SC (Suspension Concentrate)
- 80% DF (Dry Flowable)
Target Crops: Potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, strawberries, orchards, vineyards.
Target Weeds:
- Broadleaf: Pigweed, lambsquarters, chickweed, mustard, velvetleaf.
- Grasses: Annual bluegrass, foxtail, crabgrass.
- Perennials: Field bindweed (suppression).

Mode of Action

Uptake: Absorbed by roots (pre-emergence) or leaves (post-emergence).
PSII Inhibition: Binds to the D1 protein in photosystem II, blocking electron flow from water to plastoquinone.
Photosynthetic Disruption:
- Stops ATP and NADPH production.
- Generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging chloroplasts and cell membranes.
Symptoms:
- Pre-emergence: Weeds fail to emerge or die soon after breaking soil surface.
- Post-emergence: Chlorosis (yellowing) starting at leaf margins, followed by necrosis within 7–14 days.

Application Guide

Crop	Target Weeds	Formulation	Dosage (kg a.i./ha)	Application Timing
Potatoes	Pigweed, lambsquarters	50% WP	1.0–2.0	Pre-emergence (after planting, before crop emergence)
Carrots	Annual grasses, chickweed	400g/L SC	0.5–1.0	Pre-emergence (after sowing, before crop emergence)
Tomatoes	Crabgrass, mustard	80% DF	0.75–1.5	Post-transplant, before weeds emerge
Strawberries	Annual bluegrass, chickweed	50% WP	0.5–1.0	Post-harvest or pre-emergence in spring

Application Tips:

Water Volume: Use 200–400 L/ha for pre-emergence; 300–500 L/ha for post-emergence.
Rainfastness: 4–6 hours after application.
Soil Incorporation: For pre-emergence use, lightly incorporate into soil (1–2 cm) if no rainfall is expected within 7 days.

Key Advantages

Dual Action: Controls weeds both pre- and post-emergence.
Broad Spectrum: Effective against 30+ weed species.
Residual Activity: Up to 6 weeks of soil protection, reducing need for multiple applications.
Low Volatility: Minimal risk of vapor drift to sensitive crops.
Tank Mix Compatibility:
- Common Mixes: Metribuzin, pendimethalin, s-metolachlor (broadens spectrum).
- Synergy: Enhances control of resistant weeds (e.g., triazine-resistant lambsquarters).

Safety & Environmental Notes

Toxicity: Low acute toxicity to mammals (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg); toxic to aquatic organisms.
Environmental Impact:
- Moderate soil persistence (half-life: 30–60 days).
- Avoid application near water bodies; risk of groundwater contamination in sandy soils.
Storage: Store in cool, dry place; protect from freezing.

Resistance Management

HRAC Group: 7 (PSII inhibitors).
Strategies:
- Rotate with Group 14 (PPO inhibitors), Group 2 (ALS inhibitors), or Group 15 (VLCFA inhibitors).
- Tank mix with residual herbicides (e.g., linuron + metribuzin) to delay resistance.

FAQ

Can Linuron be used in organic farming?
No; it is synthetic and prohibited in organic systems.
How does Linuron affect rotational crops?
Crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat are tolerant; sensitive crops (e.g., crucifers) may require 12+ months before planting.
Is Linuron effective against glyphosate-resistant weeds?
Yes, due to different mode of action; useful in resistance management programs.
Can it be applied through irrigation systems?
Yes, via chemigation; ensure uniform distribution and follow label instructions.
What is the pre-harvest interval (PHI)?
Varies by crop (e.g., 30 days for potatoes, 14 days for tomatoes); consult label for specifics.

Packaging & OEM Services

Standard Packaging:
- 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg bags (WP/DF).
- 1 L, 5 L, 20 L containers (SC).
Custom Solutions:
- Private labeling with multilingual artwork.
- Regulatory support for global markets (COA, SDS, MRL data).
- Custom formulations (e.g., linuron + metribuzin blends).

Why Choose Linuron?

Linuron offers flexible, cost-effective weed control across diverse crops, making it ideal for:

Vegetable and fruit growers
Small-acreage and specialty crop producers
Resistance management programs
Regions with high weed pressure

Contact us for bulk orders, technical data sheets, or custom formulation inquiries. Elevate your weed management with Linuron—where versatility meets reliability.

How Linuron Differs from Other Herbicides

Linuron stands out among herbicides due to its unique combination of mode of action, selectivity, application flexibility, and environmental profile. Below is a detailed comparison with key herbicide classes:

1. Mode of Action: Photosystem II Inhibition

Linuron (HRAC Group 7): Blocks electron transport in photosystem II (PSII), disrupting ATP and NADPH production.
Comparisons:
- Glyphosate (Group 9): Inhibits EPSP synthase, halting amino acid synthesis.
- Atrazine (Group 5): Also targets PSII but with higher soil mobility and longer persistence.
- 2,4-D (Group 4): Mimics auxin, causing uncontrolled growth in broadleaf plants.

Key Difference: Linuron’s PSII inhibition provides rapid chlorosis (yellowing) and necrosis, especially effective against annual broadleaf weeds.

2. Selectivity & Crop Compatibility

Linuron is selective in:
- Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, lettuce.
- Fruits: Strawberries, orchards, vineyards.
- Field Crops: Limited use in sugar beets, peanuts.
Comparisons:
- Paraquat (Group 22): Non-selective, kills all vegetation on contact.
- Metribuzin (Group 5): Broader crop safety (e.g., soybeans, potatoes) but higher risk of soil carryover.
- Clethodim (Group 1): Selective only on grasses, sparing broadleaf crops.

Key Advantage: Linuron’s ability to control both grasses and broadleaf weeds in sensitive crops like carrots and lettuce.

3. Application Flexibility

Linuron offers dual pre- and post-emergence activity:
- Pre-emergence: Forms a soil barrier to prevent weed germination.
- Post-emergence: Absorbed by leaves of young weeds.
Comparisons:
- S-metolachlor (Group 15): Primarily pre-emergence, targeting germinating seeds.
- Glufosinate (Group 10): Post-emergence only, requires direct contact with foliage.

Key Difference: Linuron’s versatility allows growers to address weeds at multiple growth stages.

4. Residual Activity & Soil Persistence

Linuron has moderate soil persistence (half-life: 30–60 days), providing 4–6 weeks of residual control.
Comparisons:
- Atrazine: Longer persistence (half-life: 60–100 days), increasing rotational crop restrictions.
- Dicamba: Shorter soil life (14–30 days), but high volatility risks off-target damage.

Key Advantage: Linuron’s balance between residual control and soil breakdown minimizes rotational crop risks.

5. Environmental Profile

Linuron has:
- Low volatility: Reduced risk of vapor drift compared to 2,4-D or dicamba.
- Moderate water solubility: Risk of leaching in sandy soils but lower than atrazine.
Comparisons:
- Glyphosate: Low soil mobility but widespread use raises resistance concerns.
- Paraquat: Highly toxic to humans/aquatic life; restricted in many regions.

Key Consideration: Linuron’s environmental impact depends on proper application (e.g., avoiding water bodies).

6. Resistance Management

Linuron is effective against glyphosate-resistant weeds (e.g., Palmer amaranth) due to its distinct mode of action.
Comparisons:
- ALS inhibitors (Group 2): High resistance risk; Linuron is often tank-mixed with these to delay resistance.

Key Role: Linuron is a valuable tool in resistance management programs.

7. Cost & Accessibility

Linuron is:
- Mid-range in cost: More affordable than specialty herbicides (e.g., glufosinate) but pricier than generic glyphosate.
- Widely available: Formulated alone or in blends (e.g., linuron + metribuzin).

Key Benefit: Cost-effective for small-acreage and specialty crop growers.

Summary: When to Choose Linuron

Ideal Scenarios:
- Controlling mixed grass and broadleaf weeds in sensitive vegetables/fruits.
- Pre- and post-emergence flexibility in a single product.
- Resistance management in glyphosate-tolerant cropping systems.
- Regions with strict volatility regulations.

Key Trade-offs:

Higher risk of soil carryover than shorter-lived herbicides (e.g., carfentrazone).
Not suitable for crops sensitive to PSII inhibitors (e.g., some brassicas).

Conclusion: Linuron’s niche lies in its selectivity, dual action, and resistance management value, making it a strategic choice for diverse cropping systems.