What Is Fenoxaprop-ethyl 98% TC and How Is It Used in Weed Management?

Technical Introduction

Fenoxaprop-ethyl is a post-emergence selective herbicide belonging to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate (FOP) class of herbicides. It is widely used for the control of annual and perennial grass weeds in broadleaf crops and cereals.

Chemically, Fenoxaprop-ethyl is an ester form (pro-herbicide) that undergoes hydrolysis in plants to produce the active metabolite Fenoxaprop acid, which is the true herbicidal compound.

Its mode of action is as an ACCase inhibitor (Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase inhibitor, HRAC Group 1). By blocking fatty acid biosynthesis, it disrupts cell membrane production in grasses, ultimately leading to plant death.

The 98% TC (Technical Concentrate) form is the raw, highly pure technical-grade material used in agrochemical manufacturing, typically formulated into EC (emulsifiable concentrate), EW (emulsion in water), and OD (oil dispersion) products for field applications.

Applications

• Rice (Transplanted & Direct-Seeded):

  • Controls Echinochloa spp. (barnyardgrass), one of the most problematic weeds in rice cultivation.

• Wheat & Barley:

  • Suppresses grassy weeds like Avena fatua (wild oats), Phalaris minor, and Lolium spp.

• Soybean, Cotton, and Other Broadleaf Crops:

  • Controls grasses such as Digitaria spp., Setaria spp., and Panicum spp. without harming dicot crops.

• Horticulture:

  • Used in vegetables, fruits, and plantations for selective grass weed control.

• Non-Crop Areas:

  • Occasionally used in industrial fields and plantation maintenance for grassy weed suppression.

Advantages

• Highly Selective: Kills grass weeds while being safe on most broadleaf crops.

• Post-Emergence Activity: Effective against actively growing grasses, even when weeds are already established.

• Quick Metabolism in Crops: Target broadleaf crops metabolize Fenoxaprop rapidly, minimizing phytotoxicity.

• Flexible Use: Suitable for cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, and cotton.

• High Purity (98% TC): Provides strong raw material for formulating high-performance commercial products.

• Low Application Rates: Required only in small doses for effective weed suppression.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: What type of weeds does Fenoxaprop-ethyl control?
A: It selectively controls annual and perennial grasses such as barnyardgrass, wild oats, crabgrass, foxtail, and ryegrass.

Q2: Can Fenoxaprop-ethyl be used in rice cultivation?
A: Yes, it is widely used in transplanted and direct-seeded rice to control barnyardgrass and other grassy weeds.

Q3: Is Fenoxaprop-ethyl safe for broadleaf crops?
A: Yes. Broadleaf crops such as soybean, cotton, and vegetables metabolize Fenoxaprop quickly, making it safe when applied properly.

Q4: How does Fenoxaprop-ethyl work?
A: It inhibits the ACCase enzyme, preventing fatty acid synthesis, which stops growth and causes death of grassy weeds.

Q5: What is the difference between TC and EC formulations?
A: 98% TC is the raw technical-grade concentrate used in manufacturing. It is formulated into EC, EW, or OD products for safe field use.

Q6: Are there resistance concerns?
A: Yes. Grass weeds such as Phalaris minor and Lolium spp. have developed resistance in some regions. Rotation with other herbicide groups is recommended.