Strike Herbicide (Atrazine 50% WP): The Ultimate Weed Control for Maize & Sugarcane
Protect your yield during the critical first 45 days with the trusted power of Strike by Insecticides (India) Ltd.
Weeds are the biggest enemy of high-growth crops like Maize (Corn) and Sugarcane. If left uncontrolled during the first month, they can reduce your harvest by up to 70%. Strike (Atrazine 50% WP) is the backbone of weed management in Indian agriculture. It provides a robust chemical barrier that stops weeds before they steal your crop's sunlight and nutrients.
Manufactured by Insecticides (India) Ltd. (IIL), Strike is a cost-effective, broad-spectrum solution designed to keep your fields clean and your yields high.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Early Action: Controls weeds during the "Critical Period" (first 30-45 days), preventing irreversible yield loss.
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Broad Spectrum: Effectively targets both tough broadleaf weeds and nuisance grasses in a single spray.
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Systemic Power: Absorbed through roots and leaves, it moves within the weed to stop growth from the inside out.
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Cost-Effective: Manufactured via backward integration by IIL, ensuring high quality at a price affordable for every farmer.
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Crop Safety: Maize and Sugarcane have natural enzymes that detoxify Strike, keeping the crop safe while killing the weeds.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Strike |
| Technical Name | Atrazine 50% WP (Wettable Powder) |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 5 (Photosystem II Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chlorotriazine |
| Formulation | WP (Wettable Powder) containing 50% Active Ingredient |
| Toxicity Label | GHS Category 4 (Harmful if swallowed/inhaled) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Strike works by hijacking the weed's ability to produce energy from sunlight.
- Uptake: Applied to the soil, Strike is absorbed by the roots of the weeds along with water.
- Blockade: It travels up to the leaves and binds to the "D1 protein" in the chloroplasts. This blocks electron transfer (Photosynthesis).
- Starvation & Burn: The trapped energy turns into reactive molecules that destroy the cell membranes. The weed starves and dries out (necrosis), turning brown and dying.
Note: Maize and Sugarcane naturally produce enzymes (GSTs) that break down Atrazine rapidly, which is why they survive while weeds die.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Maize (Corn) | Amaranthus spp. (Pigweed), Trianthema monogyna (Carpet weed), Chenopodium album, and suppression of Barnyard grass. |
| Sugarcane | Wide range of broadleaf weeds, Digera arvensis, Xanthium strumarium, and annual grasses like Goosegrass. |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Ensure soil has sufficient moisture at the time of application.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (g / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (g / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
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| Maize | 400 g – 800 g | 200 L (Approx) | 2 – 4 g/L | As per Label |
| Sugarcane | 400 g – 1.6 kg | 200 - 300 L | 2 – 5 g/L | As per Label |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval. Note: Ensure proper crop rotation intervals (months) before planting sensitive crops like pulses or mustard.
How to Apply: Best Practices
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Timing:
- Pre-emergence: Apply immediately after sowing (0-3 days) before weeds sprout.
- Early Post-emergence: Apply when weeds are small (2-3 leaf stage).
- Mixing (Crucial): Strike is a Wettable Powder (WP). Mix the required quantity with a small amount of water first to make a smooth paste (slurry), then add this to the main water tank. Keep stirring to prevent settling.
- Coverage: Use a flat fan or flood jet nozzle. Ensure the soil is moist at the time of application to activate the chemical.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not use near fish ponds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I plant wheat or mustard immediately after using Strike?
Caution is required. Atrazine residues can persist (carryover) and damage sensitive follow-up crops like wheat, mustard, or pulses, especially in dry seasons or high pH soils. Always respect the waiting period and conduct a soil test (bioassay) if unsure.
2. Is there an antidote for Strike poisoning?
No, there is no specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. If ingested, seek medical attention immediately for gastric lavage.
3. Why is it important to make a slurry before mixing?
Since Strike is a powder that doesn't fully dissolve but suspends in water, making a slurry ensures the wetting agents activate properly. This prevents the powder from clumping or floating, ensuring an even spray.
4. Does Strike control large, established weeds?
No. Strike is most effective on germinating weeds or very young weeds (2-3 leaf stage). It will not kill large, mature weeds.
5. What is the difference between Strike and Torry Super?
Strike is pure Atrazine. Torry Super is a new advanced mixture (Atrazine + Tembotrione) that offers faster knockdown and controls a wider range of resistant weeds using "SPF Technology" for better crop safety.
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. Strike is toxic to aquatic organisms; do not use near water bodies.
