Hitweed Maxx

Hitweed Maxx is Godrej Agrovet's patented selective post-emergence herbicide for cotton, combining pyrithiobac sodium 6% and quizalofop-ethyl 4% as a Micro-Emulsion Concentrate (MEC). It was developed in-house by Godrej and patented; it gives one-shot dual-spectrum (broadleaf + grass) weed control in standing cotton without a tank-mix partner.

Composition / Active ingredient

Composition: Pyrithiobac sodium 6% + Quizalofop-ethyl 4% MEC
Manufacturer: Godrej Agrovet (in-house patent)
Chemical classes: Pyrimidinylthiobenzoate + Aryloxyphenoxy-propionate

Mode of action

The two actives address different weed classes through different enzyme targets:

Pyrithiobac sodium inhibits acetolactate synthase (ALS), blocking branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. HRAC Group 2. Active on broadleaf and some grass weeds.
Quizalofop-ethyl inhibits acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) in grasses, blocking fatty acid biosynthesis. HRAC Group 1. Active only on grasses; broadleaves are inherently tolerant.

Used together they cover broadleaf, grass and sedge spectra in a single pass.

Target use and dose

Registered crop is cotton (post-emergent). Key target weeds include Trianthema, Amaranthus, Digera, Echinochloa, Dinebra and Digitaria. Application is at the 2-4 leaf stage of weeds, with directed spray to minimise crop contact.

The closely related Tata Rallis Kevat Ultra Cotton uses the same 6% + 4% MEC composition under a different brand.

Safety and regulatory status

The MEC formulation has lower phytotoxicity to cotton than older EC pyrithiobac formulations and improves rainfastness. It is selective only on cotton; spray drift to broadleaf crops (pulses, oilseeds) will cause severe injury. Rotation with non-ALS / non-ACCase modes of action — e.g. Pendimethalin Cotton Preemergent (HRAC 3) at pre-emergence — is good resistance-management practice.

References

Hitweed Maxx. Godrej Agrovet.
Hitweed Maxx — Pyrithiobac Sodium 6% + Quizalofop-ethyl 4% MEC. Global Agriculture.