Selective Herbicide Guard
A post-emergence selective herbicide that eliminates broadleaf weeds and grasses in cereal and legume crops without harming the target crop. Reduces labour cost of manual weeding and increases crop competitiveness at critical growth stages.
How to Use
Confirm Crop Stage
Apply only when the crop is at the 3–5 leaf stage (maize) or tillering stage (wheat/sorghum). Applying too early (before 3 leaves) or too late (after tasseling for maize) can cause crop injury. Do not apply to stressed, drought-affected crops.
Identify Weed Species
Selective Herbicide Guard targets broadleaf weeds (Striga, Commelina, Amaranthus, Bidens) and some sedges. It does NOT control grass weeds in grass crops — use a graminicide for those. Identify weed species before applying.
Mix the Solution
Add 15–20 mL per 10 litres of water (1.5–2 L per hectare in 200 L total water). Mix in a separate container first, then add to the sprayer tank. The solution should appear clear amber. Do not exceed label rate — higher rates cause crop damage.
Spray Technique
Use a flat-fan nozzle set at low pressure (1.5–2 bar) aimed at the base of the crop canopy. Walk between rows where possible to ensure weeds are hit. Avoid spraying directly onto crop leaves — target the weed layer beneath.
Timing Conditions
Spray when weeds are actively growing — early morning is ideal. Avoid spraying in strong wind (drift risk to nearby broadleaf crops like beans and tomatoes). Do not spray if rain is expected within 6 hours as this reduces absorption.
Observe Results
Visible weed yellowing and wilting begins within 3–5 days. Complete kill takes 10–14 days. A single application at the right stage is usually sufficient. Re-apply only if weed regrowth is observed after 3 weeks.
Key Features
Crop Safe in Cereals
Selective at recommended rates — cereals metabolise 2,4-D rapidly without residual damage. Maize, wheat, sorghum, and sugarcane are all registered crops.
Striga Control
Effective against Striga (witch weed) — one of the most damaging parasitic weeds in Tanzanian maize and sorghum fields.
Soluble Liquid Formulation
SL formulation mixes easily with water, no clumping or settling. Consistent active ingredient concentration throughout the tank.
Single Application
One well-timed application at the right crop stage eliminates the need for multiple manual weeding sessions, reducing labour cost significantly.
Proven Formulation
2,4-D has been the benchmark cereal herbicide for over 60 years with a well-understood safety and residue profile.
Yield Protection
Weeds compete most aggressively in the first 4–6 weeks after crop emergence. Early control at this stage directly protects final yield.
Critical Safety & Drift Warnings
- High drift risk: 2,4-D vapour and spray droplets can travel hundreds of metres in warm windy conditions and damage sensitive crops (tomatoes, beans, grapes, cotton). Always spray in calm, cool conditions — early morning is safest.
- Never use the same sprayer for herbicides and pesticides/fungicides without triple-rinsing with a surfactant solution. 2,4-D residue in the tank at 1 ppm can damage broadleaf crops sprayed later.
- Do not apply within 50 metres of orchards, vegetable gardens, or water sources.
- The 30-day pre-harvest interval is mandatory. Do not harvest maize silage before this interval even if the grain is not for human consumption.
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and full-length clothing. 2,4-D is a skin and eye irritant. Wash all exposed skin after handling.
