Starva Super

Chemical Mechanism of Grass Control: How "Starga Super" Works

The selective herbicidal activity of "Starga Super" from the German company "Stefes" is based on the active ingredient Quizalofop-P-ethyl, belonging to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate chemical class. Unlike soil-applied herbicides, this product is a specialized post-emergence tool that works exclusively through the leaf surface of actively growing weeds.

The Biochemical Target

The core mechanism of action of "Starga Super" is the inhibition of the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase). This enzyme is responsible for fatty acid synthesis in grass cells. By blocking this node, the product halts the growth of the root system and the development of new shoots. In practice, weed development ceases within hours of absorption, with total mortality occurring within 7–14 days.

Technological Features

• Systemic Action: Due to its high lipophilicity, Quizalofop-P-ethyl quickly penetrates the leaf cuticle and translocates through the xylem and phloem, reaching the growth points (meristems) in the roots, which is crucial for controlling creeping bentgrass (Elytrigia repens).
• Selectivity: As a selective herbicide, it is perfectly safe for dicotyledonous crops such as soybeans, sunflowers, rapeseed, or forage beets.
• Formulation: The emulsifiable concentrate ensures stable tank mixes and optimal adhesion to the waxy leaf surfaces of grasses.

The application rate of 0.5 to 1.0 L/ha allows for a flexible approach to weed pressure: lower doses are effective against annual grasses, while maximum rates are required to suppress perennial rhizomatous weeds. Given its Class 2 hazard rating, strict adherence to the application protocol is mandatory, and its single-application requirement minimizes residue accumulation in soil and crops.