Metribuzin is a selective herbicide used to control a broad spectrum of weeds in agriculture. It belongs to the triazine family and targets both grasses and broadleaf weeds. Farmers widely apply it to crops like soybeans, potatoes, tomatoes, and sugarcane, where weed competition can reduce yields and quality. This article explains how C₈H₁₄N₄OS works, what crops it protects, and why it remains an essential tool in modern weed management strategies.
What Is Metribuzin?
What is metribuzin? Eureka Technical Q&A explains this selective herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in crops like soybeans and potatoes, highlighting its mode of action, effectiveness, and agricultural significance.
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Metribuzin is a pre- and post-emergent herbicide with the chemical formula C₈H₁₄N₄OS. It works by inhibiting photosystem II in plants, which disrupts the photosynthesis process and leads to chlorosis (leaf yellowing), wilting, and plant death.
Because of its systemic mode of action, C₈H₁₄N₄OS can travel within the plant, making it effective even against stubborn or deep-rooted weeds.
Key Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Triazinone herbicide |
| Mode of Action | Photosystem II inhibitor |
| Application Timing | Pre- and post-emergence |
| Target Weeds | Broadleaf and grassy weeds |
| Solubility | Moderately soluble in water |
| Environmental Profile | Low to moderate persistence in soil |
These features allow C₈H₁₄N₄OS to provide residual control while minimizing long-term soil impact when used properly.
Common Uses of Metribuzin
1. Soybean Weed Control
Metribuzin is often applied pre-emergence or early post-emergence in soybeans to suppress pigweed, lambsquarters, and foxtail species. Its effectiveness and compatibility with other herbicides make it a popular part of tank mixes for resistant weed control.
2. Potato Fields
In potato cultivation, farmers use metribuzin to manage weeds that compete for nutrients during early growth. It helps prevent yield loss and improves harvest quality by reducing weed density during tuber development.
3. Tomato and Vegetable Crops
Tomato growers apply metribuzin at low rates, either before or shortly after transplanting. It controls nightshade, ragweed, and grasses, offering broad-spectrum coverage with minimal crop injury when applied correctly.
4. Sugarcane and Other Row Crops
In sugarcane plantations, metribuzin helps suppress annual grasses and broadleaf weeds, especially during early stages. Its residual soil activity reduces the need for frequent re-application.
Application Cases
| Product/Project | Technical Outcomes | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Metribuzin-Sulfentrazone Co-crystal United Phosphorus, Inc. | Improved stability and compatibility, enhanced residual effects and application efficiency | Weed control in agricultural crops, addressing stability issues in herbicide formulations |
| Metribuzin-Tolerant Soybean Monsanto Technology LLC | Identification of genomic regions and markers linked to metribuzin tolerance for breeding tolerant varieties | Soybean cultivation in areas where metribuzin is used for weed control, enhancing crop resilience and yield stability |
| Synergistic Herbicidal Composition Redson Retail & Reality Pvt Ltd. | Broad-spectrum weed control in wheat, environmentally friendly formulation | Weed management in wheat crops, addressing environmental concerns in herbicide use |
| Optimized Sequential Metribuzin Application Indian Agricultural Research Institute | Enhanced weed control with optimized dose, volume rate, and timing of application | Weed management in soybean cultivation, balancing crop safety and weed control efficiency |
| FertiG-Metribuzin Combination University of Sao Paulo | Potential attenuation of metribuzin toxicity in carrots, improved commercial yield | Carrot cultivation, mitigating herbicide stress while maintaining weed control efficacy |
How Metribuzin Works in the Field
After application, C₈H₁₄N₄OS is absorbed through the roots or leaves of the target weeds. It moves to the chloroplasts, where it blocks photosynthesis by interfering with electron transfer in photosystem II.
Weeds exposed to metribuzin show early symptoms like leaf yellowing, followed by necrosis and death within several days. Because of its systemic action, the herbicide effectively controls both shallow and deep-rooted weed species.
Benefits of Using Metribuzin
- Broad-Spectrum Control: Targets multiple weed species in a single application
- Pre- and Post-Emergence Use: Flexible timing improves crop management
- Tank Mix Compatibility: Combines well with glyphosate, paraquat, and other herbicides
- Cost-Effective: Requires relatively low rates for effective control
- Residual Activity: Keeps suppressing weed regrowth for several weeks
When integrated into a herbicide rotation strategy, C₈H₁₄N₄OS also helps delay herbicide resistance in weed populations.
Precautions and Environmental Considerations
While metribuzin is generally safe when used according to label directions, it can leach into groundwater in sandy or low-organic soils. Therefore, proper application timing, rate selection, and field scouting are critical to reduce environmental risks.
Avoid spraying on windy days or just before heavy rain to minimize drift and runoff. Always follow regional guidelines for maximum application rates to protect water quality and prevent non-target plant injury.
FAQs
What weeds does metribuzin control?
It targets common broadleaf weeds like pigweed, lambsquarters, nightshade, and several grassy weeds such as foxtail and barnyardgrass.
Is metribuzin safe for all crops?
No. It’s selective and labeled only for certain crops like soybeans, potatoes, tomatoes, and sugarcane. Always check the product label.
How long does metribuzin remain active in the soil?
Depending on soil type and weather, it can remain active for several weeks. In most cases, residual control lasts 2 to 6 weeks.
Can I mix metribuzin with other herbicides?
Yes. It’s commonly tank-mixed with other herbicides for enhanced spectrum and resistance management.
Does metribuzin pose a risk to groundwater?
It can, especially in sandy soils with high rainfall. Using buffer zones and adhering to label recommendations helps minimize the risk.
Conclusion
Metribuzin is a powerful and reliable herbicide that supports efficient weed control in high-value row crops. Its flexibility in application timing, broad-spectrum effectiveness, and residual activity make it a go-to solution for farmers managing weed pressure in soybeans, potatoes, and vegetables.
When applied responsibly, C₈H₁₄N₄OS not only protects yields but also helps reduce resistance pressure in integrated weed management systems—making it an indispensable tool in modern agriculture.
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