Mechanism of action
Nicosulfuron inhibits cell division by blocking acetolactate synthase enzyme, one of the main enzymes for biosynthesis of indispensable amino acids of the plant. ALS inhibition results in arrest of cell division and therefore termination of plant growth processes. Within several days, the plants exposed see the signs of chlorosis to appear, which evolves into necrosis and then into death in 2 to 4 weeks.
The active ingredient is absorbed mainly through the leaf surface. The herbicide moves along phloem and xylem into meristematic tissue of the weed.
Florasulam inhibits acetolactate synthase, which is the key enzyme in biosynthesis of branched amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine and valine.
Protective period
Depending on species composition of weeds, soil, climatic, and weather conditions, the protective period lasts for 8 to 100 weeks after herbicide application.
Range of inhibited weeds
The herbicide is intended for maize plantings. It ravages annual cereal, perennial cereal weeds, and annual and some perennial bilobate weeds. The following species are sensitive to the preparation: barn grass, (barnyard grass), yellow-foxtail grass, green foxtail grass, witchgrass, blood-red crabgrass, Aleppo grass (green valley grass), quack grass, catch weed, red root pigweed, prostrate amaranth, charlock, bifora, bluebottle, jimsonweed, common groundsel, prickly (wild) lettuce, copper rose, wild radish, chamomile (species), rape (drop), satin flower, common caseweed, weed sunflower (lens-shaped), field chamomile, golden chamomile, dog"s chamomile, winter cress, velvetleaf, common purslane, Chamomilla recutita, pigweed, dish mustard, thistle (species).
Selectivity
The herbicide exterminates annual and perennial cereal weeds, and bilobate (broad-leaved) weeds. The preparation has no toxic effect on maize plants when used in recommended doses.
Speed of action
Depending on weather conditions, the herbicide starts affecting the growth of weeds as soon as in 4 to 6 hours after treatment. Weeds stop growing and change their color within a week (grow brown). Total extinction is observed in 2 to 4 weeks after preparation application.