Introduction

The chemical compound hexazinone, with the chemical name 3-cyclohexyl-6-(dimethylamino)-1-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, serves as a highly effective selective herbicide absorbed by both plant roots and leaves. It primarily translocates through the woody tissues, making it an excellent herbicidal choice for forestry applications. Its efficacy is gradual, taking about one month for weeds, two months for shrubs, and three to ten months for trees.

What is hexazinone used for 

Hexazinone finds utility in various applications, including the nurturing of coniferous forests, pre-planting weed and brush control, maintenance of forest firebreaks, and forest stand renovation. It effectively controls a range of weeds such as Bermuda grass, mosquito grass, horseweed, creeping woodsorrel, reed, small-leaf waxmyrtle, narrowleaf wattle, ferns, wiregrass, roundleaf thoroughwort, burdock, wild oats, smartweed, barnyard grass, and lamb's quarters. It also targets woody plants like winter honeysuckle, pearl bush, hazelnut, willowleafed aster, prickly ash, winged elm, mountain ash, birch, oak, water oak, and walnut. As a result, hexazinone sees extensive use in forest weed control, young forest nurturing, and clearance of vegetation in areas like airports, railways, and industrial zones. It is also applied in weed control for economic crops such as bananas and sugarcane. Currently, hexazinone is available in formulations including liquid, water-dispersible granules, and soluble powder. However, these formulations face limitations in water-scarce mountainous regions and are inconvenient for transportation in high-altitude areas, posing challenges for water resource conservation. In tropical rainforests, the application efficacy may be compromised due to excess moisture. Granular formulations offer convenience in use and transportation.

Usage Methods

1. Hexazinone SL: Typically, use around 500 grams per acre diluted in approximately 30 kilograms of water for spraying or root irrigation. The soil must be adequately moist during application, and fallen leaves above the tree roots should be cleared during root irrigation. If the height of bamboo, wood, and weeds is below 50 centimeters, one bottle per acre is sufficient; otherwise, around three bottles are needed. When adding water, it is advisable to include an adjuvant such as laundry detergent, diesel, or organosilicon to enhance adherence for optimal efficacy.

2. Hexazione WDG: Apply around 5 kilograms per acre of granules mixed with fine soil or sand (approximately 60 kilograms) evenly spread on the forest floor. It is suitable for spraying during the rainy and foggy seasons from spring to late summer, as the agent dissolves better in moisture, facilitating better penetration into the soil for root absorption. Optimal efficacy is achieved if rainfall occurs within approximately two weeks after application. In the absence of rain, timely watering is necessary. Avoid applying before heavy rain to prevent washout of the herbicide.

Generally, visible effects are observed approximately one week after rain or watering, with weed death occurring within a month and the onset of root decay. In colder temperatures, the time for various toxic death symptoms may be extended. Some tree species may experience repeated sprouting or leaf shedding around five times before eventual death. If a small portion remains unaffected, a second treatment can be administered once new leaves have grown to seven in number.

Purposes of Use: Reference Cases

1. Pre-planting (Weed and Brush Control): Apply in the early to mid-summer using a spray gun for each tree planting point. For densely populated shrubland, use 3 milliliters per point, diluted with 1-2 times water, or directly apply undiluted solution. After 20-45 days, weed-free patches will form.

2. Young Forest Nurturing: Apply in mid-summer, using an average of milliliters per tree, diluted with 4-6 times water for spraying.

3. Elimination of Non-target Tree Species: Direct injection around tree roots, using 8-10 milliliters of 25% water-soluble solution for each tree with a 10 cm diameter at breast height.

4. Maintenance of Forest Firebreaks: Use 6 liters of 25% water-soluble solution per hectare, sprayed on 150-300 kilograms of water. For individual remaining shrubs and weeds, additional injection may be needed to supplement the herbicide.

5. Forest Stand Renovation: Apply 10% granular formulation by aerial spreading to remove non-target tree species.

Precautions

1. Hexazinone has a severe irritant effect on the eyes but is non-sensitizing to the skin. Chronic toxicity tests have shown no abnormalities, and it exhibits low toxicity to fish and birds.

2. Avoid use on cultivated land for crops.

3. Hexazinone acts relatively slowly in weed control. To enhance efficacy, it can be mixed with other herbicides such as diuron (Diuron) or other types (Decision at one's own discretion, self-purchase, or consult with local experienced personnel for self-blending).

4. When diluting the herbicide with water, ensure the temperature is not too low, as excessively low temperatures may hinder the dissolution of the herbicide, affecting its efficacy.

5. After root irrigation and plant leaf spraying, for soil that has been exposed to the herbicide, wait for at least six months before reapplication.