Himax - Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL - Insecticides (India) Ltd
Item description
Himax Herbicide (Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL)
The "Chemical Plough" for Cotton, Tea, and Soybean Farmers.
Himax by Insecticides (India) Limited is a powerful, broad-spectrum post-emergence herbicide. It provides a smart alternative to manual weeding, acting as a "middle path" between slow-acting systemic weed killers and instant burn-down chemicals.
Best For: Farmers seeking cost-effective weed control (saving up to 70% compared to manual labor) while ensuring crop safety in wide-row crops like Cotton and Tea.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
- ⏱️ Rapid Action: Visible yellowing of weeds in 2–3 days; complete death (desiccation) in 3–5 days.
- ?️ Crop Safety Margin: Ideal for inter-row spraying. Unlike Glyphosate, accidental drift causes only localized spotting, not whole-plant death.
- ⏳ No Soil Residue: Degrades in soil within 3–10 days, making it perfectly safe for crop rotation.
- ?️ Rainfast in 4 Hours: Contains high-load surfactants (approx. 60%) that resist wash-off from sudden showers.
- ? Controls Resistant Weeds: Highly effective against tough weeds like Parthenium, Amaranthus, and Echinochloa.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Himax |
| Technical Name | Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 10 (Glutamine Synthetase Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Phosphinic Acids |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (SL) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Himax works by inhibiting the Glutamine Synthetase enzyme in plants. This causes a rapid buildup of toxic ammonia within the weed cells.
[Image of Glufosinate Ammonium mode of action]- Absorption: The specialized surfactants allow the liquid to penetrate waxy leaves instantly.
- Blockade: It stops nitrogen metabolism, leading to "ammonia poisoning" inside the plant.
- Burn Down: Cell membranes rupture, photosynthesis stops, and the weed dries out completely.
Note: Activity is faster in bright sunlight due to increased plant metabolic rates.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Echinochloa spp., Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda Grass), Cyperus rotundus. |
| Tea | Borreria hispida, Imperata cylindrica, Digitaria spp. |
| Soybean (Pre-Plant) | All annual/perennial weeds (Burndown before sowing). |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Do not cut corners on water volume.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 1000 – 1320 ml | 200 Litres | 5 – 6.5 ml | 96 Days |
| Tea | 1000 – 1320 ml | 200 – 250 Litres | 5 – 6 ml | 15 Days |
| Non-Crop/Industrial | 1200 ml | 200 Litres | 6 ml | - |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply when weeds are young (2–4 leaf stage) and actively growing. Sunny weather improves results.
- Mixing: Use clean water. Avoid muddy water as it can slightly reduce potency. Use Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzles for a uniform spray sheet.
- Coverage: Himax is a "Contact Herbicide." It only kills what it touches. Ensure complete wetting of the weed foliage.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Use a spray hood/shield in Cotton to prevent drift onto crop leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Himax kill the main crop?
It is non-selective, meaning it can damage any green plant
it touches. However, it is safer than Glyphosate for
inter-row spraying because it does not translocate significantly
within the crop if minor drift occurs. Always use a hood.
2. How does the cost compare to manual weeding?
Manual weeding can cost ₹3,000–₹4,000 per acre. Himax
application (Chemical + Labor) typically costs ₹800–₹1,100 per
acre, offering a saving of nearly 70%.
3. What if it rains after spraying?
Himax is rainfast within 4 hours. If it rains after this
period, you do not need to re-spray.
4. Can I use it on Parthenium (Congress Grass)?
Yes, Himax is highly effective against Parthenium,
burning down the rosettes and preventing flowering.
5. What is the toxicity level?
It carries a Blue Label (Moderately Toxic). It is safer than
Red or Yellow labeled herbicides but still requires standard
protective gear (mask and gloves).
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application. Avoid use near aquaculture (fish ponds) as the product is toxic to aquatic life.
Quick Facts
Watering
Twice a week
Sunlight
Indirect light
Humidity
High 60-80%
Temperature
18-27°C