Orbit Herbicide (Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC): The Ultimate Weed Control Guide
Stop wasting money on manual weeding. Orbit Herbicide by Insecticides (India) Ltd is your professional solution for controlling tough broadleaf weeds in Onion, Tea, Potato, and Groundnut crops.
Orbit contains Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC, a selective contact herbicide. It works in two ways: it creates a chemical barrier on the soil to stop new weeds from growing and burns down existing young broadleaf weeds.
Best For: Farmers facing labor shortages who need a cost-effective, high-performance solution for weed-free fields.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Rapid Action: Starts burning weeds within 2-4 hours on sunny days due to its unique light-activated power.
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Dual Protection: Acts as both a "Contact" killer for emerged weeds and a "Residual" barrier preventing new weed seeds from germinating.
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Long-Lasting Control: Provides weed suppression for up to 30-40 days, covering the critical early growth stage of your crop.
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Cost Effective: Drastically cheaper than manual labor. One acre sprayed with Orbit costs approx. ₹500-1500 vs. ₹12,000+ for manual weeding.
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Positional Selectivity: Safe for bulb and root crops (like Onion and Potato) because it stays on the surface and does not leach deep into the root zone.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Orbit |
| Technical Name | Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 14 (PPO Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Diphenyl Ether |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue/Green Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Orbit uses the power of chemistry and sunlight to destroy weeds. Its active ingredient, Oxyfluorfen, targets the PPO enzyme (Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase) inside the weed cells.
- Absorption: The herbicide is absorbed by the shoots of emerging seedlings or the leaves of young weeds.
- Sunlight Activation: When the treated weed is exposed to sunlight, the chemical triggers the production of reactive oxygen.
- Cell Rupture: This reaction destroys the cell membranes, causing the weed to dry out and die within hours.
Note: This is a contact herbicide. Thorough coverage is essential because it does not move (translocate) throughout the plant.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Onion | Chenopodium (Bathua), Amaranthus (Chaulai), Trianthema (Santha) |
| Tea Plantations | Digitaria, Imperata cylindrica, Borreria, Paspalum |
| Potato & Groundnut | Chenopodium, Trianthema, Echinochloa, Cyperus (suppression) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Ensure the soil is moist before application for the best "chemical barrier."
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onion | 80 - 100 ml (Pre) / 200 ml (Post) | 200 L | 0.5 - 1 ml | 7 |
| Tea | 260 - 400 ml | 200 L | 1.3 - 2 ml | 15 |
| Potato / Groundnut | 170 - 340 ml | 200 L | 0.8 - 1.7 ml | - |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: For Pre-emergence (Onion/Potato), spray within 0-3 days of sowing/transplanting. For Post-emergence (Onion), spray 20-25 days after transplanting.
- Mixing: Orbit can be tank-mixed with graminicides like Fenoxaprop to kill grasses at the same time. Ensure the solution is well-agitated.
- Coverage: Use a Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzle. Do not use cone nozzles. Uniform soil coverage is critical for the "chemical barrier" to work.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Warning: This product is a severe eye irritant; protect your eyes at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Orbit kill all types of weeds?
Orbit is excellent for broadleaf weeds (dicots). It is weaker on grasses. For complete control in onions, mix it with a grass-selective herbicide.
2. Can I use it on dry soil?
No. For pre-emergence results, the soil must be moist. Moisture helps the chemical form a uniform film over the soil surface to block weed seeds.
3. Why do I need to wear goggles?
Oxyfluorfen is a known eye irritant. Splashes of the concentrate can cause serious eye injury. Safety glasses are mandatory during mixing.
4. How fast does it work?
On a sunny day, you will see weeds turning brown and drying out (scorching) within 3 to 4 hours of application.
5. Can I disturb the soil after spraying?
No. If you hoe or dig the soil after spraying Orbit (pre-emergence), you will break the chemical barrier, and weeds will start growing in those gaps.
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.
