Sprayquat 250
Fast-acting, non-selective contact herbicide, ideal for broad-spectrum weed control. Generally used for gardens.
| Sprayquat 250 | |
|---|---|
Product Type |
Herbicide |
Active Ingredient |
250g/L Paraquat |
Group |
L |
Pack Size |
5L, 20L |
APVMA Registration # |
52141
Search APVMA number at APVMA PubCRIS. |
Profile
- First marketed in 1962
- Paraquat disrupts the process of photosynthesis by diverting electrons from photosystem I within the chloroplasts, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- These highly reactive molecules cause rapid oxidative damage to cell membranes, resulting in the desiccation and death of plant tissue
- As Paraquat is not systemically translocated, it only affects the parts of the plant it directly contacts, making thorough spray coverage essential for effective weed control
Key Features & Benefits
- Quick Weed Suppression: Reduces competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, supporting better crop establishment
- Minimal Soil Impact: Safe for soil microbes and subsequent planting due to lack of residual soil activity
- Rain fast: Becomes rain fast quickly after application, ensuring reliable performance in variable weather
Toxicity
- Acute oral Mammalian Toxicity (LD50, mg/kg) - rats: 100-157
What is Sprayquat 250 Herbicide?
Sprayquat 250 is a Group L paraquat herbicide that provides rapid knockdown of annual grasses and most annual broadleaf weeds (excluding Capeweed) in labelled agricultural, horticultural and non‑agricultural situations.
How does Sprayquat 250 work?
Sprayquat 250 is a bipyridyl herbicide that inhibits photosynthesis at photosystem I, quickly burning down green plant tissue on contact while being immediately inactivated in the soil.
What weeds does Sprayquat 250 control?
It controls annual grasses and most annual broadleaf weeds listed in the Directions for Use tables, but does not control Capeweed and may only suppress some problem species without a residual partner.
How do I manage situations with Capeweed, Erodium or low Sprayquat 250 rates?
When Capeweed or Erodium spp. are present, or when Sprayquat 250 is used at lower rates, additional partner products and wetters are required; refer to the Application Guide and Directions for Use for the exact Desiquat, Kendral 600 or Kenwet 1000LF rates and mixing instructions, noting that the registered label Directions for Use override any summary in the Application Guide.
Where can Sprayquat 250 be used?
Approved uses include broadacre crops (cereals, pulses), pastures, orchards, vineyards, bananas, hops, sugar cane, potatoes, row crops, vegetables, seed beds, fire breaks and non‑agricultural areas such as sheds, roadways and paths.
Is Sprayquat 250 suitable for home gardens?
No, Sprayquat 250 is for agricultural and horticultural use only and is too hazardous to be used in a home garden.
When should Sprayquat 250 be applied for best results?
Apply when target weeds are young, actively growing and not stressed by waterlogging, frost or drought, and when foliage is not covered by dust, soil or heavy dew.
Does Sprayquat 250 have residual activity in the soil?
No, Sprayquat 250 is rapidly inactivated on contact with soil and does not provide residual soil weed control on its own.
Can Sprayquat 250 be mixed with other herbicides?
Yes, it is compatible with several soil‑active and contact partners such as Atradex WG, Diurex WG, Simagranz WG, Spray Seed, MCPA and others listed on the label, which can extend the length and spectrum of weed control when used as directed.
What spray volumes and equipment are recommended in broadacre crops?
Use a properly calibrated boom spray with flat fan jets, travelling 6–15 km h, typically applying 50–200 L ha depending on weed height and density to ensure good leaf coverage and at least double overlap at the top of the weeds.
Does Sprayquat 250 already contain a wetter?
Yes, Sprayquat 250 contains a wetting agent, and extra wetter is only required when the product rate falls below 400ml per 100L of water or in specific high‑volume or problem‑weed situations described on the label.
Can Sprayquat 250 be used for spray topping annual ryegrass?
Yes, it is registered for spray topping annual ryegrass to reduce seed set and assist resistance management, with specific rates, crop growth stages and grazing recommendations provided in the Directions for Use.
How is Sprayquat 250 used for fire breaks and hay freezing?
It can be applied to knock down vegetation on fire breaks and to “hay freeze” pastures for maximum protein retention in standing dry feed, using higher rates and timing given in the label critical comments.
Is Sprayquat 250 suitable for inter‑row or directed spraying?
Yes, it can be used as a directed inter‑row or inter‑space spray in crops such as row crops, vegetables, orchards, vineyards, hops and sugar cane, provided shields or droppers are used to minimise contact with crop foliage.
How dangerous is Sprayquat 250 to handle?
Sprayquat 250 is a dangerous poison; it can kill if swallowed, is fatal if inhaled and harmful in contact with skin, so it must be kept locked up, never put in drink bottles and only handled with appropriate protective equipment.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required?
When opening containers, mixing and spraying, wear elbow‑length PVC gloves plus a face shield or goggles, and in situations with mist risk also wear suitable protective clothing and a compliant respirator.
What are the key withholding periods for Sprayquat 250?
Do not graze or cut treated vegetation for stock food for at least 1 day (7 days for horses) after application, remove stock 3 days before slaughter, and do not harvest field peas, chickpeas, faba beans or lupins for 14 days after spraying.
How should empty Sprayquat 250 containers be disposed of?
Triple rinse containers into the spray tank, then recycle through an approved program or, if recycling is not available, dispose of as directed on the label in a marked pit away from waterways, desirable vegetation and tree roots; do not burn containers or product.
What about spray drift and environmental protection?
Do not apply under conditions that may cause drift onto nearby susceptible crops, pastures or native vegetation and do not spray on or near water used for irrigation, as Sprayquat 250 is toxic to aquatic life.
Where can I buy Sprayquat 250?
You can purchase this product from leading agricultural suppliers throughout Australia. If you are a grower and would like a distributor for larger quantities, send us a message on our contact us page requesting "Sprayquat 250" distributors near you.