Merlin
Pre-emergent weed control
Advantages / Purpose
Pre-emergent herbicide for controlling annual broadleaf and grass weeds in corn crops. Broad spectrum of activity against grass and broadleaf weeds. Controls second and subsequent weed flushes. Reliable protection under various weather conditions due to the 'reactivation' effect. Protective period — up to 2.5 months. Several mechanical treatments are eliminated. Low hectare application rate compared to traditional products. Formulation: Water-dispersible granules containing 750 g/kg isoxaflutol.
Mode of Action Pre-emergent systemic herbicide. After being absorbed by the root system and seedlings of weeds, the product inhibits the enzyme p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, which is involved in key stages of plastoquinone biosynthesis. Its inhibition in meristematic tissues causes whitening of young plants. These symptoms are caused by indirect suppression of carotenoid biosynthesis. Weeds become whitened as Merlin® penetrates the plant through the root system. Under sufficient soil moisture, weeds either fail to emerge or become whitened after emergence and die quickly.
Spectrum of Activity Effective against annual broadleaf weeds: Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed); Polygonum lapathifolium (knotweed); Polygonum persicaria (smartweed); Sinapis arvensis (field mustard); Fumaria officinalis (fumitory); Stellaria media (common chickweed); Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf); Atriplex spp. (saltbush); Chenopodium album (common lambsquarters); Sonchus asper (rough sow-thistle); Solanum nigrum (black nightshade); Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd's purse); Galeopsis spp. (hemp agrimony); Helianthus lenticularis (wild sunflower); Raphanus raphanistrum (wild radish); Matricaria inodora (odorless chamomile); Amaranthus retroflexus (common amaranth), as well as annual grass weeds: Sorghum halepense (johnsongrass); Panicum capillare (wiregrass); Panicum dichotomiflorum (field panicum); Echinochloa crus-galli (sorghum grass); Digitaria sanguinalis (crabgrass); Setaria viridis (green foxtail); Setaria glauca (blue foxtail). Protective Period Due to the reactivation effect, the product maintains herbicidal activity for an extended period regardless of weather conditions and provides crop protection for 6–8 weeks.
Speed of Action Under sufficient soil moisture, sensitive weeds either fail to emerge or become whitened after emergence and die within 5–7 days. Phytotoxicity Selective to corn when applied at recommended rates. On light soils, under heavy rainfall, partial localized whitening of corn leaves may occur during early growth, but this does not affect crop yield. Potential for Resistance No cases of weed resistance have been observed. Isoxaflutol belongs to a new herbicide chemical group — isoxazolams — and its mode of action differs from other pre-emergent herbicides for corn. Studies have shown no cross-resistance between isoxaflutol and known herbicide classes — triazines and chloroacetanilides. However, to avoid the emergence of resistant weed biotypes, it is recommended to rotate herbicides from different chemical groups with different modes of action in crop rotation. Compatibility Compatible with most pesticides used on corn, particularly herbicides from the chloroacetanilide group (acetochlor, metolachlor, dimethenamid) and triazine group (atrazine). However, in each case, preliminary chemical compatibility testing of mixed components is required.
Application Recommendations
Soil preparation before sowing (optimal soil clump size up to 3–5 cm). Even seed incorporation at optimal depth to avoid direct contact between seeds and the product. Application without soil incorporation. Continuous mixing of the working solution in the sprayer tank. Avoid mechanical soil treatments after application until the 4–5 leaf stage.
Sprayer Cleaning
Since even small amounts of the product may damage certain sensitive crops (sugar beet, rapeseed, sunflower, vegetables), equipment must be thoroughly rinsed before use on other crops. Sprayer cleaning is recommended to be performed immediately in the field after completing work.
Shelf Life
Not less than 2 years from the date of manufacture.
Packaging 500 g.
