Hortus, KE (acetochlor, 900 g/l)

Soil-Applied Protection: The Technical Advantage of Hortus, EC

Hortus, EC, produced by the 'Fabryka Ahrokhimikativ' (Cherkasy, Ukraine), is a high-performance systemic soil herbicide engineered to secure the early growth stages of corn, sunflower, and soybean crops. Featuring 900 g/l of acetochlor, a chloroacetanilide-class active ingredient, the formulation disrupts cell division and protein synthesis in weed meristematic tissues, effectively neutralizing weeds before they emerge.

Action Mechanism and Selectivity

As a selective pre-emergence herbicide, Hortus creates a protective film within the topsoil layer. The systemic action ensures that the active substance is absorbed by the hypocotyls of dicotyledonous weeds and the coleoptiles of grasses. By targeting weeds at the germination phase, the herbicide eliminates early competition for water and soil nutrients, allowing the primary crop to establish a competitive advantage during the first 3–6 weeks of development.

Technical Specifications for Field Application

• Formulation: Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) ensures rapid dispersion and uniform soil coverage, which is essential for consistent efficacy.
• Application Rate: Recommended range is 1.5–3 liters per hectare, adjusted based on soil type, organic matter content, and weed pressure.
• Operational Guidelines: Applied as a pre-emergence treatment. Restricted to a maximum of 1 treatment per season.
• Safety: Classified as a Class 2 hazard chemical, requiring strict adherence to standard personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols during handling and application.

By integrating Hortus into a crop protection program, growers can reduce the need for mechanical inter-row cultivation. The technical excellence of this Ukrainian-manufactured product lies in its ability to offer reliable weed suppression under appropriate soil moisture conditions, proving to be an essential tool for high-yield agriculture.