Tebuthiuron 80% WDG – Soil-Residual Herbicide for Total Vegetation Control

Tebuthiuron 80% WDG is a persistent urea herbicide formulated as a water-dispersible granule, designed for long-term suppression of broadleaf weeds, grasses, and woody plants in non-crop areas (industrial sites, railways) and select crops (sugarcane, pineapples). As a photosynthesis inhibitor (PSII, HRAC Group 5), it provides 1–2 years of residual control through root uptake and soil mobility, making it ideal for low-maintenance vegetation management .

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Active Ingredient	Tebuthiuron 80% (w/w)
Chemical Class	Substituted urea (PSII inhibitor)
Formulation Type	Water-Dispersible Granule (WDG)
Mode of Action	Blocks electron transport in PSII → disrupts photosynthesis
Target Vegetation	Broadleaves, grasses, shrubs (Cynodon, Amaranthus, Acacia)
Solubility	Moderate (2,500 mg/L at 25°C)
Soil Half-Life	DT₅₀: 180–360 days (persistent)
Shelf Life	3 years (store at 10–30°C in dry conditions)

Critical Use Restrictions

Non-Selective: Total vegetation control – avoid near desirable plants.
Groundwater Hazard: High leaching risk (GUS index: 3.8) – prohibited in sandy soils or near aquifers .
Global Bans: Withdrawn in EU (2002) and Australia; restricted use in USA/Canada .

Application Guidelines

Registered Uses:

Site	Dosage (kg/ha)	Target Vegetation	Method
Industrial Sites	4.0–8.0	Brush, perennial grasses	Soil-surface broadcast
Sugarcane (Pre-plant)	2.0–3.0	Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepense	Soil incorporation
Forestry	3.0–6.0	Woody invasives (Acacia)	Spot treatment

Key Practices:
⚠️ Activation: Requires 25–50 mm rainfall within 10 days.
⚠️ Buffer Zones: 100m from water bodies, 500m from croplands.
⚠️ Single Application Limit: ≤8 kg/ha/year to reduce leaching risk .

Environmental & Safety Profile

Parameter	Data	Regulatory Status
Mammalian Toxicity	Moderate (Rat oral LD₅₀: 644 mg/kg)	WHO Class II (Moderately hazardous)
Ecotoxicity	Extremely toxic to fish (LC₅₀: 0.09 mg/L)	EPA Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP)
Soil Binding	Koc: 80 (high leaching potential)	GUS index: 3.8 (high risk)
Re-entry Interval	48 hours	Full PPE mandatory

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages:
✅ Long-Term Control: 12–24 months suppression after single application.
✅ Cost-Efficient: Reduces mechanical clearing by 80% in trials.
✅ Resistance Management: Effective against glyphosate-resistant weeds.

Limitations:
⚠️ Non-Target Damage: Root zone migration kills adjacent vegetation.
⚠️ Persistence: Residual activity limits land reuse (wait 24+ months for sensitive crops).

Global Regulatory Status

Region	Status	Key Restrictions
USA	Restricted Use (EPA Reg. No. 352-399)	Certified applicators only; groundwater monitoring
Canada	Limited registration (PMRA Dir. 2017-01)	Prohibited in areas with <60 cm soil depth
EU	Banned (2002)	—
Brazil	Approved for sugarcane (2021)	Mandatory 500m crop buffers

Handling & Storage

Packaging: 25 kg moisture-proof bags with inner liner.
Storage: Secure, ventilated area; separate from food/feed.
Spill Response: Contain with absorbent material; collect in sealed containers.
Disposal: Incinerate at licensed facilities (>1,000°C) .