Clethodim
Description
Clethodim is a highly effective systemic herbicide belonging to the cyclohexanedione chemical class. It is widely used in global agriculture as a selective agent for controlling both annual and perennial grass weeds in a variety of broad-leaved crops.
The mode of action of Clethodim involves inhibiting the enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which is essential for lipid synthesis within the plant. By blocking this pathway, the herbicide effectively stops weed growth, causes necrosis in growing points, and leads to the eventual death of the target grass species.
This active ingredient is commonly applied on crops such as soybeans, sunflowers, sugar beets, potatoes, flax, and oilseed rape. It is highly valued for its ability to control difficult grass weeds including quackgrass, barnyardgrass, foxtail, and volunteer cereals that compete for nutrients and sunlight.
Effective application requires the use of adjuvants, as they are crucial for maximizing the penetration of the herbicide through the weed's leaf cuticle. The best results are observed when the product is applied during the active growth stage, ensuring that both annual and perennial grasses are in their most susceptible development phase.
Safety precautions are mandatory when handling Clethodim to prevent environmental and occupational hazards. Users must wear appropriate personal protective equipment and avoid drift onto sensitive nearby crops, especially non-target cereal crops. Always follow regional application guidelines to ensure optimal efficacy and environmental stewardship.
- Superior systemic control of grass weeds
- Highly selective to broad-leaved crops
- Adjuvant addition is essential for performance
- Fast absorption by foliage
Status in the European Union
Approved in the EU
- CAS number
- 99129-21-2
- Approved from
- 01.06.2011
- Approval until
- 31.08.2026
- ADI
- 0.16 mg/kg bw/day
- ARfD
- Not appl.
- AOEL
- 0.2 mg/kg bw/day
Regulatory status data: EU Pesticides Database © European Union, CC BY 4.0. EU status is for reference only and does not replace national registration in your country.