Twister Herbicide (2,4-D Amine Salt 58% SL) by IIL
The advanced solution for broadleaf weed control in Wheat, Maize, and Sugarcane.
Twister is a premium systemic herbicide manufactured by Insecticides (India) Limited. Unlike older powder formulations, Twister comes in a soluble liquid (SL) form that dissolves instantly in water. It is designed to tackle tough broadleaf weeds like Bathua and creeping vines by penetrating their roots, ensuring they don't grow back.
Best For: Farmers looking for a low-volatile, hard-water stable herbicide that is safer for neighboring crops than Ester formulations.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Instant Solubility: As a Soluble Liquid (SL), it mixes instantly with water. No stirring required and no clogged nozzles, unlike powder (Sodium Salt) herbicides.
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Low Volatility (Drift Safety): Formulated as an Amine salt, Twister produces very low fumes (vapor). This makes it safer to use near sensitive crops compared to Ester formulations.
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Systemic Root Kill: It absorbs through leaves and moves down to the roots, killing the weed from the inside out to prevent regeneration.
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Hard Water Stable: Contains special sequestering agents that allow it to work effectively even when mixed with hard groundwater (salty water).
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Broad Spectrum Control: Effectively controls Bathua, Congress Grass (Parthenium), and Water Hyacinth.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Twister |
| Technical Name | 2,4-D Amine Salt 58% SL |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group O (Synthetic Auxin) |
| Chemical Group | Phenoxycarboxylic Acid |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (SL) |
| Toxicity Label | Yellow (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Twister works by mimicking the plant's natural growth hormone (Auxin), but in an overdose quantity. This causes a "short-circuit" in the weed's system.
- Absorption: The liquid is quickly absorbed through the leaves and roots of the weed.
- Translocation: It travels through the plant's food transport system to reach growing tips.
- Disruption: It forces rapid, uncontrolled cell growth. You will see the weed stems twist and curl (epinasty). The plant eventually starves and dies because its food transport is blocked.
Note: Cereal crops like Wheat and Maize can naturally digest this chemical safely, while weeds cannot, making it selective.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Wheat | Chenopodium album (Bathua), Melilotus (Senji), Vicia sativa |
| Maize & Sorghum | Trianthema (Santha), Tridax, Digera, and other broadleaf weeds |
| Sugarcane | Cyperus rotundus (Motha), Convolvulus (Creepers), Broadleaf weeds |
| Aquatic Areas | Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) |
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | 350 - 500 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.5 ml | 90 |
| Maize / Sorghum | 400 - 600 ml | 200 L | 2 - 3 ml | 60 |
| Sugarcane | 600 - 800 ml | 200 - 250 L | 3 - 4 ml | - |
| Potato | 1200 - 1400 ml | 200 L | 6 - 7 ml | *Pre-Emergence Only* |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing (Wheat): Apply strictly between 30 to 35 Days After Sowing (DAS). Spraying too early can damage roots; spraying too late (jointing stage) can deform the grain heads.
- Timing (Potato): Must be applied BEFORE potatoes sprout (Pre-Emergence). Do not spray if potato leaves are visible.
- Mixing: Conduct a physical compatibility test (Jar Test) before mixing with other herbicides. Avoid mixing with Zinc or cationic herbicides like Paraquat.
- Coverage: Use Flood Jet or Flat Fan nozzles for best results. Avoid Cone nozzles to reduce fine mist drift.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not spray on windy days to protect nearby cotton/vegetable crops.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Twister herbicide different from Twister Disease?
Yes! "Twister Disease" is a fungal infection in onions. "Twister" is a herbicide that KILLS weeds. Do NOT spray Twister herbicide on onions to cure the disease; it will kill the onion crop.
2. Is this better than Sodium Salt (Powder)?
Yes. Twister (Amine Salt) dissolves instantly, works better in hard water, and enters the plant faster than the older powder formulations.
3. Can I use Twister near Cotton or Tomato fields?
Use extreme caution. While Twister produces fewer fumes than Ester, physical spray drift can still damage sensitive crops like Cotton, Tomato, and Okra. Do not spray if wind is blowing toward these crops.
4. Can I mix Twister with Grass Killers (Clodinafop)?
It is generally safer to spray them separately. If you must mix, do so carefully as 2,4-D can sometimes reduce the effect of the grass killer. A gap of 5-7 days between sprays is ideal.
5. Does it kill Grass Weeds?
No. Twister is specific to broadleaf weeds (dicots). It will not kill grasses (monocots) like Phalaris minor or wild oats.
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.
