Sokil, KE, herbicide

Controlling grass weeds: hands-on experience with "Sokil, CE"

When perennial grasses like couch grass start threatening soybean or sunflower crops, you need a selective tool that doesn't damage the main plant. We've been using "Sokil, CE" from Nertus, a systemic herbicide based on quizalofop-P-ethyl, and it has proven to be a reliable performer for cereal weed control.

Field performance and application

What I value most as an operator is the precision of this product. It acts as a post-emergence selective herbicide: you apply it to the leaves once the weeds are established. Because of its systemic nature, the active ingredient translocates quickly through the weed's vascular system, halting growth almost immediately. I have successfully used it on sunflower and soybean crops without any phytotoxicity issues. It handles both annual grass weeds and tough perennials like couch grass effectively.

Practical application tips

• Application Rate: ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 L/ha. In cases of heavy perennial infestation, I always aim for the higher end of the range to ensure a clean field with just one application, as per the label limit.
• Timing: as a foliar herbicide, it works best during the active growth phase of the weeds. Waiting for them to overgrow reduces the efficacy.
• Maintenance and Safety: the emulsifiable concentrate formulation is user-friendly, mixes well without clogging spray nozzles, and remains stable in the tank. It is a Class 3 hazard product, so standard PPE is essential during mixing and application.

Observing the field a few days after application, you can clearly see the yellowing and necrosis of the target grasses. Within two weeks, the weeds are completely suppressed. For a farmer, this reliability means you can focus on the crop's development, knowing that the competition for water and nutrients from cereal weeds has been successfully removed.