Stigma Herbicide (Imazethapyr 10% SL): The Pulse & Oilseed Protector
Expertly formulated by Nichino India for the selective control of tough weeds in Soybean, Groundnut, and Pulses.
Stigma is a broad-spectrum, post-emergence herbicide designed to eliminate weeds that compete with your crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Powered by Japanese technology, it offers a "Green Label" safety profile, making it tough on weeds but safe for your leguminous crops.
Best for: Farmers seeking early-stage control of grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges without manual weeding labor.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Stops Growth Immediately: Weed growth halts within hours of application, preventing further nutrient theft from your crop.
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High Crop Safety: Features a "Green Label" toxicity rating (Slightly Toxic), ensuring safety for the operator and the main crop.
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Extended Protection: Provides residual soil activity, suppressing new weed germination for weeks after the initial spray.
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Rainfast Reliability: Systemic absorption ensures the product works effectively even if it rains 6 hours after application.
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Complete Broad-Spectrum Control: Effectively targets grasses, tough broadleaf weeds like Commelina, and suppresses sedges.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Stigma |
| Technical Name | Imazethapyr 10% SL |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 2 (ALS Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Imidazolinone |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (SL) |
| Toxicity Label | Green Label (Slightly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Stigma works systematically to starve weeds from the inside out. It acts as an ALS inhibitor, targeting the specific enzyme responsible for plant growth.
- Absorption: The herbicide is rapidly absorbed through both the leaves (foliage) and the roots of the weeds.
- Translocation: It moves through the plant's system to the growing points (shoot and root tips).
- Termination: It blocks the biosynthesis of essential amino acids (Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine), causing the weed to stop growing immediately and die within 7–14 days.
Note: Leguminous crops (Soybean/Groundnut) naturally metabolize and detoxify the chemical quickly, ensuring they remain unharmed.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Soybean | Cyperus difformis (Sedge), Echinochloa spp. (Barnyard grass), Euphorbia hirta (Dudhi), Commelina benghalensis (Kena/Dayflower). |
| Groundnut | Commelina benghalensis, Trianthema portulacastrum (Santhi), Eragrostis pilosa, Cyperus difformis. |
| Pulses (Black/Green/Red Gram) | Mixed weed flora (Broadleaf weeds and annual grasses). |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soybean | 400 ml | 200 - 300 L | 2.0 ml | Refer to Label |
| Groundnut | 400 - 600 ml | 200 - 300 L | 2.0 - 3.0 ml | Refer to Label |
| Pulses | 250 - 300 ml | 200 L | 1.25 - 1.5 ml | Refer to Label |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. Always use sufficient water for good coverage.
How to Apply: Best Practices
[Image of soybean weeds at 2 leaf stage]- Timing: Apply strictly during the Early Post-Emergence window, when weeds are at the 1 to 2 leaf stage (usually 7–14 days after sowing). Delayed application on older weeds leads to poor results.
- Mixing: Use the "Outright" Adjuvant (MSO) for best results. Mix herbicide in half-filled tank, then add adjuvant, then top up with water.
- Coverage: Use flat fan nozzles and ensure thorough wetting of weed foliage. Avoid using low water volumes.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to spray Stigma?
The ideal time is 7 to 14 days after sowing, when weeds are small (1 to 2 leaf stage). Spraying on large weeds (4-5 leaves) will reduce effectiveness.
2. Do I need to mix an adjuvant (sticker)?
Yes. Nichino strongly recommends using an MSO-based adjuvant like "Outright" (2ml per liter water). This helps the herbicide penetrate the waxy leaves of weeds like Kena (Commelina).
3. Can I plant Mustard immediately after harvesting the treated crop?
Caution is advised. Stigma has soil residual activity. Mustard is sensitive to Imazethapyr residues. It is safer to rotate with Wheat or Chickpea, or allow a long waiting period with deep plowing.
4. Does it control Purple Nutsedge (Motha)?
It provides suppression of Purple Nutsedge, checking its growth enough to allow your crop to cover the ground, though it may not completely eradicate the tuber system.
5. Is Stigma toxic to fish or bees?
Stigma is generally non-toxic to fish and bees when used at recommended rates, but avoid direct spraying into water bodies.
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.
