Cockpit, RK (Bentazon, 480 g/l)

Reliable crop protection: field experience with Kovcheg herbicide

When broadleaf weeds invade your fields, controlling them becomes a battle for yield. Working with "Kovcheg, RK" from the Cherkasy-based "Fabryka Ahrokhimikativ," you realize you are dealing with a professional-grade tool. With 480 g/l of bentazon, this is a classic herbicide that, when applied correctly, effectively solves weed issues in soybeans, peas, or corn.

Application practice and efficiency

As an operator, I must highlight a crucial point: this is a contact herbicide. Unlike systemic products, thorough leaf coverage is essential here. Bentazon rapidly penetrates weeds, blocking photosynthesis. We prepare the working solution strictly according to the guidelines: a dosage of 1.5 to 3 liters per hectare, depending on the weed species composition and their growth stage. We typically target common lambsquarters, pigweed, and mustard—Kovcheg handles them confidently, provided you apply it before the weeds become overgrown.

Application tips and handling

• Weather conditions: Since it is a contact herbicide, the best time for application is morning or evening, avoiding intense sunlight. Applying on dew can cause phytotoxicity to the crops, and applying under scorching sun causes the product to dry before it can be absorbed.
• Selectivity: Kovcheg is gentle on soybeans and peas when dosages are followed. It is satisfying to see that a Ukrainian-manufactured product matches imported analogs in terms of formulation quality.
• Safety: Being a Class 3 hazard substance, standard protective equipment is required. When preparing the mixture, it does not foam excessively and mixes easily in the sprayer tank, which saves time during refilling.

It is important to remember: this is a post-emergence (insurance) herbicide. We apply it after germination when the crop is established. A 40-day waiting period before harvest allows for safe completion of all necessary agrotechnical operations. One treatment per season is usually sufficient, as precise nozzle calibration and timing make follow-up applications unnecessary.