Atrataf Herbicide (Atrazine 50% WP) by Rallis India
The Expert Solution for Pre-Emergence Weed Control in Maize and Sugarcane.
Atrataf (Atrazine 50% WP) is the flagship herbicide from Rallis India Limited (Tata Group), designed specifically for coarse cereals. It acts as a powerful barrier against weeds during the most critical period of crop growth—the first 30 to 45 days. By controlling aggressive broadleaf and grassy weeds before they emerge, Atrataf ensures your crop gets 100% of the soil nutrients, moisture, and sunlight.
Best For: Farmers seeking a cost-effective, high-quality alternative to manual weeding in Maize, Sugarcane, and Sorghum.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Early Action: Applied within 3 days of sowing, it stops weeds before they even break the soil surface.
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Crop Safety: Highly selective formulation; Maize and Sugarcane plants naturally detoxify the chemical, keeping them safe while weeds die.
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Economic Value: Drastically reduces labor costs, offering up to 90% savings compared to manual hand weeding.
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Broad Spectrum: Effectively controls tough broad-leaved weeds like Trianthema and suppresses annual grasses.
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Long-Lasting: Provides residual control that keeps the field clean for weeks, allowing the crop canopy to establish.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Atrataf |
| Technical Name | Atrazine 50% WP |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 5 (Photosynthesis Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chlorotriazine |
| Formulation | Wettable Powder (WP) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Atrataf works by disrupting the energy production centers (chloroplasts) of the weed.
- Absorption: The herbicide is absorbed through the roots of germinating weeds and moves upwards to the leaves.
- Blockade: It binds to the photosynthetic proteins, blocking the electron transport chain. This starves the weed of energy.
- Selectivity: Maize and sugarcane plants produce a special enzyme (GST) that rapidly breaks down Atrazine into harmless compounds, keeping the main crop healthy.
Result: Weeds turn yellow (chlorosis), then brown (necrosis), and die shortly after emergence.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Maize (Corn) | Trianthema monogyna (Carpet Weed), Amaranthus spp., Echinochloa spp., Digera arvensis |
| Sugarcane | Xanthium strumarium (Cocklebur), Portulaca oleracea, Cleome viscosa |
| Sorghum (Bajra) | General annual broadleaf weeds and grasses |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Dosage may vary slightly based on soil type (use higher dose for heavy clay soils).
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (g / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (g / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | 400 - 800 g | 200 L | 2 - 4 g | 60 |
| Sugarcane | 400 - 1600 g | 200 - 280 L | 2 - 8 g | 60 |
| Sorghum | 400 - 800 g | 200 L | 2 - 4 g | 60 |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply within 0 to 3 Days After Sowing (DAS). The soil should be moist, but the crop and weeds should not have emerged yet.
- Mixing (The Creaming Method): Since this is a wettable powder, do not dump it all at once. Mix the powder with a little water to form a smooth paste ("cream") first, then pour this into the main tank with agitation.
- Coverage: Use Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzles. These create a uniform coarse spray that covers the soil surface evenly. Avoid Cone nozzles.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Atrataf on established weeds?
No, Atrataf is primarily a Pre-Emergence herbicide. It works best before weeds appear. For established weeds (2-3 leaf stage), it is less effective unless mixed with other chemicals.
2. Is it safe for vegetables or pulses grown after maize?
Atrazine residues can persist. Be cautious if you plan to grow pulses (chickpea, soybean) or vegetables immediately after maize. Consult an agronomist for rotation planning.
3. Do I need to water the field after spraying?
Yes, adequate soil moisture is required for the herbicide to activate. A light irrigation or spraying after rain ensures the chemical enters the soil solution.
4. Can I mix Atrataf with other herbicides?
Yes, it is often tank-mixed with Pendimethalin for broader grass control, or with new molecules like Topramezone for synergistic effects in difficult weed situations.
5. Can this be applied using a drone?
Yes, trials show drone application is effective. However, because drones use less water (10-20L/Ha), proper mixing and the use of adjuvants are critical to prevent nozzle clogging and ensuring coverage.
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.
