Mode of action
Ballista, OD is a systemic herbicide. Effective against a wide range of dicotyledonous and grass weeds because of mutually reinforcing effects of three active ingredients.
Florasulam and flumetsulam inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS inhibitors), an enzyme involved in biosynthesis of essential amino acids in meristematic tissues of weeds. They are mainly absorbed by the leaves of weeds and quickly move to the root system and stems, where they accumulate in growth points and exert an herbicidal effect. Both substances suppress the growth of dicotyledonous weeds.
Mesosulfuron methyl is an ALS inhibitor that suppresses the growth of both dicotyledonous and grass weeds. Its mechanism of action is different from that of graminicides (acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors); thus, it is effective against tough grass weeds: cheat grass, jointed goat grass, etc.
Mefenpyr-diethyl (antidote) ensures rapid degradation of sulfonylurea in crops, preventing their phytotoxic damage.
Ballista, OD herbicide has an innovative oil formulation: oil dispersion, that provides maximum effect of active ingredients regardless of weather conditions.
Protective effect period
The herbicide controls weeds present in the crop at the time of
application but provides no residual control against later-emerging
weeds.
Rate of exposure
Growth of sensitive weeds stops one day after the product enters the plant. First visible signs of weed suppression appear 1–2 days after application.
The most rapid herbicidal effect can be achieved by spraying weeds during early growth phases, as well as under favorable growth conditions (optimal humidity and temperature).
Spectrum of action
Annual and perennial dicotyledonous weeds, annual grass weeds
Sensitive species: thistle species, catchweed, chickweed, black bindweed, chamomile (sp.), cruciferous weeds, lamb's quarters, field poppy, cheat grass, jointed goat grass, wild oat, bent grass, foxtail grass, couch grass (partially), etc.
Compatibility with other preparations
Use in tank mixtures with other pesticides and agrochemicals is not recommended to avoid phytotoxicity.
Product application features
After treatment, a temporary reduction in the green color intensity of cultivated plant leaves may occur, appearing as spots or localized near the leaf margin. The color may range from light green to whitish to yellowish. These symptoms are rare and are typically linked to extreme weather conditions (low/high temperatures, insufficient/excess moisture) occurring right at, before, or immediately after herbicide application. The physiological color change typically recovers within 10–14 days after treatment, provided that temperature and humidity conditions return to the region's average seasonal values.
