Instructions for use of the herbicide Quickstep, application rates and analogues

A systemic herbicide consisting of several components is used to control weedy cereal annuals and perennials in areas occupied by leafy crop species. The herbicide Quickstep is highly effective on potato, rapeseed and beet plantations. The drug acts quickly and has a inhibitory effect on the green and underground parts of weeds.

Active ingredients of Quickstep

Quickstep herbicide is based on two active components:

• clethodim (included in the category of cyclohexanedione oximes) – 130 g/l;
• haloxyfop-R-methyl (aryloxyphenoxypropionic acid compound) – 80 g/l.

Both compounds have a systemic herbicidal effect.

Preparative form of weed killer

Quickstep, produced by the Russian company August, is a concentrated oil emulsion that is classified as a selective herbicide composition. Sold in 5-liter cans.

Purpose of the herbicide

Quickstep herbicide is intended for the destruction of weedy cereal annuals and perennials in areas where broad-leaved species of cultivated plants grow.

The drug is effective against:

• brooms;
• wheatgrass;
• wild millet;
• bluegrass;
• bristlecone;
• wild oats;
• crabgrass;
• foxtail

The Quickstep herbicide does not have a toxic effect on cultivated dicotyledonous plants; its effect extends only to cereal annuals.

Principle and speed of action

Quickstep is characterized by selectivity of action. The active components, penetrating into plant tissue through the surface of leaves and stems, inhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids. Haloxyfop-R-methyl in plant tissues, after undergoing hydrolysis, turns into haloxyfop-R, which suppresses the development of the meristem. And clethodim moves from the leaves to the root system, where it negatively affects growth points.

These processes occur quickly. 2-3 days after treatment, symptoms of weed suppression are noticeable. Resistance to the herbicide does not develop.

Rate and symptoms of exposure

The rate of death of unwanted vegetation depends on the specific type of weed, the stage of its formation, and the weather. But usually plant death occurs a week or two after treatment.

There is a gradual death of the weed:

• at the first stage, the plant stops developing, chlorosis develops, necrotic changes are noticeable on the leaf blades, the veins turn red;
• at the second stage, the leaves become brown, wither, and dry out.

Period of protective action

Quickstep herbicide penetrates plant tissue through the surface of above-ground organs, is not a soil chemical, so its effectiveness extends to grasses present in the sown area during the dressing period. The herbicide does not have an inhibitory effect on weeds emerging in the second wave of the season.

If you choose the right time of spraying, the effect of the Quickstep drug lasts throughout the growing season.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drug

The popularity of Quickstep herbicide is due to many advantages. A drug:

• combines two herbicidal components that affect the above-ground and underground parts of the plant;
• effective against all common cereal annuals and perennials;
• acts quickly;
• applied at any stage of development of cultivated plants;
• economically used;
• Compatible with many chemicals used against dicotyledonous weeds.

Consumption rate

The herbicide consumption and treatment period are determined by the type of weed growing in the treated area and the stage of its formation.

culture	consumption rate, l/ha	optimal processing time
beets, rapeseed, soybeans	0.4 (annual weeds)	at the 2-4 leaf stage
	0.8 (perennial)	when the weeds reach a height of 10-12 cm
linen	0.4 (annuals)	at the 2-4 leaf stage
	0.8 (perennial)	when the weeds reach a height of 10-12 cm
potatoes, sunflower	0.4 (annuals)	at the 4-6 leaf stage
	0.8 (perennials)	when the weeds reach a height of 15-20 cm

The stage of development of cultivated vegetation is not important for determining the processing time. The exception is flax; processing of this crop is carried out at the “herringbone” stage of development.

Preparation and use of working solution

Before depressurizing the canister, shake the herbicide thoroughly. The tank of the spraying device is filled with water to half the volume, and a measured amount of the drug is poured in. Stir thoroughly. Add water to the edge of the tank while continuously stirring with a mechanical stirrer.

The area is treated by spraying, for flax once a season, for other crops the waiting period is 60 days. The instructions for use indicate that the consumption of working fluid is 200-300 l/ha.

Weeds that have developed leaf mass to absorb the active components of the chemical are sprayed. It should be processed carefully so that the solution does not get on the leaves of cultivated plants.

Safety precautions

Quickstep herbicide has a moderate toxic effect on the human body, so it should be handled using standard precautions. You cannot begin the procedure without protecting the skin, eyes and respiratory organs. It is advisable to carry out work in the morning or evening hours, with little or no wind.

Since Quickstep is not a soil chemical, crop rotation is not limited after its application.

Degree of toxicity

The hazard class of the herbicide for humans and insects is 3rd – moderately toxic substance. In order not to harm the bees, the following rules must be taken into account:

• the border zone from the apiary is at least 3 km;
• limiting the flight of bees to at least 4 hours.

It is prohibited to use Quickstep in the sanitary zone of reservoirs belonging to fish farms.

First aid for poisoning

A person affected by the effects of Quickstep should receive immediate assistance:

• if a toxic chemical is inhaled, remove the victim from the room and ask to breathe deeply;
• in case of accidental ingestion - rinse the mouth thoroughly with water, drink a large amount of water, take activated carbon (1 g of sorbent medication per 1 kg of person’s weight), induce vomiting, repeat the steps if necessary;
• in case of contact with the skin, wipe off the chemical with a cotton swab or cloth, but do not rub the skin, wash the area of ​​the body with soapy water;
• in case of contact with clothing, remove and wash the contaminated item of clothing, wash the area of ​​the body with which the soiled clothing came into contact with water;
• In case of contact with eyes, open the eyelids with your fingers and rinse the eyeballs generously with warm water.

If the poisoning is severe, then you must immediately call an ambulance, and before it arrives, remove the victim’s protective equipment and clothing.

Even if the intoxication is not severe, it is advisable for the victim to go to a medical facility, where a specialist will prescribe symptomatic therapy.

Is it compatible with other products?

Quickstep is combined with a large list of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Cannot be combined only with alkaline chemicals whose pH is higher than 8.5.High compatibility of the herbicide with chemicals based on ethophumesate, clopyralid, sulfonylurea, desmedipham, phenmedipham.

The next component is added after the previous one has completely dissolved.

Storage conditions and rules

Store Quickstep herbicide in the hermetically sealed canister in which it was purchased. It is advisable to leave the drug in a warehouse or other closed place. Storage temperature can range from -30 to +30 °C.

Shelf life – 2 years provided the canister remains sealed.

Herbicide analogues

Of the analogues based on xethodim, it should be noted:

• Cletodim Plus;
• Legate;
• Censor;
• Graminion;
• Select;
• Centurion Pro;
• Elephant;
• Cleaver;
• Rondo.

Herbicides based on haloxyfop-R-methyl:

• Galaktion;
• Zelleck Super.

All of these drugs inhibit lipid synthesis in plant tissues, which leads to the death of weeds in a short time. They are effective against cereal annuals and perennials growing in areas occupied by root crops, sunflowers, and potatoes.