Ethofumesate: Selective Herbicide for Sugar Beet and Turf Management
Technical Introduction
Ethofumesate is a benzofuran-based selective herbicide (HRAC Group 16) with both pre-emergence and early post-emergence activity. It acts by disrupting cell division and lipid synthesis, leading to abnormal seedling development and death in susceptible weeds.
Absorption: Taken up by both shoots and roots.
Systemic Movement: Moves within plant tissues, preventing regrowth.
Formulations: Commonly available as 95% TC (technical concentrate), 50% SC (suspension concentrate), and emulsifiable concentrates (EC).
Applications
Crops & Uses:
Sugar beet & fodder beet – one of the few herbicides highly selective to beets.
Turfgrass (lawns, golf courses, sports fields) – controls invasive annual grasses.
Onions, carrots, and other root vegetables (in some regions, depending on registration).
Weeds Controlled:
Annual grasses:Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyardgrass), Digitaria spp., Poa annua.
Broadleaf weeds:Chenopodium album (lamb’s quarters), Amaranthus spp., Polygonum spp., Stellaria media (chickweed).
Sedges: Some suppression of Cyperus spp..
Application Timing:
Pre-emergence: Applied after sowing, before weeds germinate.
Early post-emergence: Applied when weeds are in cotyledon to 2–4 leaf stage.
Often used in split or sequential applications for sugar beet.
✅ Advantages
Selective to Sugar Beet: One of the few herbicides safe for beet crops.
Dual Action: Controls weeds both before and after emergence.
Residual Control: Offers 4–8 weeks of protection.
Versatile Use: Applicable in both field crops and turf management.
Tank-Mix Compatible: Often mixed with phenmedipham, desmedipham, or metamitron for a wider weed spectrum.
Resistance Management: Different mode of action than common ALS/ACCase inhibitors, useful in rotations.
⚙️ Specifications (Typical Parameters)
| Parameter | Description | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Ethofumesate | |
| Chemical Class | Benzofuran herbicide | |
| IUPAC Name | (±)-2-ethoxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-benzofuranyl methanesulfonate | |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₃H₁₈O₅S | |
| Molecular Weight | ~286.35 g/mol | |
| Appearance | Light brown solid or viscous liquid | |
| Purity (TC) | ≥ 95% | |
| Common Formulations | 95% TC, 50% SC, 50% EC | |
| Application Rate | 0.5 – 2.0 kg a.i./ha (depending on crop & timing) | |
| Residual Activity | 4–8 weeks | |
| Toxicity (Oral LD₅₀ rat) | ~2,500 mg/kg (moderate toxicity) |
❓ FAQ
Q1: Why is Ethofumesate widely used in sugar beet?
It is one of the safest selective herbicides for beets, controlling early-season weeds without harming the crop.
Q2: Does it work better pre- or post-emergence?
Both — it is effective as pre-emergence and early post-emergence, though often used in split low-dose programs in beets.
Q3: How does it compare to Phenmedipham or Desmedipham?
Ethofumesate provides better residual control of grasses and complements phenmedipham/desmedipham, which target broadleaf weeds.
Q4: Can Ethofumesate be used in turf?
Yes, it is widely used to control annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and other grassy weeds in turfgrass.
Q5: What about resistance?
Resistance is less common compared to ALS or ACCase herbicides, but integrated weed management (IWM) is recommended.
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