HELM Agro Granted EPA Approval for Katagon Corn Herbicide
HELM Agro US, Inc., a global manufacturer of high-quality crop protection and fertilizer products today announced that Katagon herbicide has received federal registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Katagon is a next-generation HPPD premix herbicide for postemergence use in field corn, offering two modes of action with the added benefits of a low use rate formulation, crop safety profile and a wide application window.
A co-formulation of the active ingredients tolpyralate and nicosulfuron, Katagon delivers highly effective control of broadleaf weeds plus enhanced grass control when used in combination with atrazine.
Katagon and atrazine together in a tank mix also provides residual activity for longer-lasting weed control performance.
Katagon was developed by Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. Earlier this year, HELM Agro US and ISK Biosciences Corporation, a subsidiary of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd., agreed to collaborate regarding the distribution of Katagon herbicide for the U.S. crop protection market.
Flexibility that fits
Katagon is labeled for use in field corn grown for grain, silage and seed, that are herbicide-resistant, conventional or non-GMO hybrids.
In product development trials, Katagon has demonstrated high performance ratings in crop safety and postemergence control of glyphosate, PPO, triazine and ALS-resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth, waterhemp, ragweed, lambsquarters and foxtails.
According to Dave Schumacher, President of HELM Agro US, Katagon‘s unique co-formulation of tolpyralate and nicosulfuron is the first of its kind in the U.S.
"In field trials, we’ve seen Katagon perform equal to if not better than several market leading post products on broadleaves and stubborn grasses," says Schumacher. “Katagon is an ideal solution to help break the cycle of resistance without limiting growers’ ability to rotate to soybeans the following season.”
Market-ready for 2021
Available to corn growers for the 2021 season, Katagon is classified as a Group 27 and Group 2 herbicide with a use rate of 2.3 to 3.4 fluid ounces per acre. It can be applied by itself or in combination with atrazine as an early to mid-season postemergence treatment.
When used alone, Katagon can be applied on corn up to 20-inches tall or the V5 growth stage, whichever is most restrictive. Post applications that include atrazine can be applied to corn up to 12-inches tall. In a tank mix with Katagon, the maximum single application rate for atrazine is 2.0 pounds per acre and not to exceed 2.5 pounds of atrazine per acre per year.
Katagon is formulated as an oil dispersion containing one pound of tolpyralate per gallon and one pound of nicosulfuron per gallon. With a low use rate, Katagon provides greater cost savings for grower and retailer alike, reducing container size, application rates, labor and transportation expenses.
According to Schumacher, corn growers will be encouraged to use Katagon as part of a two-pass sequential weed control program to ensure three or more modes of actions are used within a single growing season, and in accordance with university recommendations and industry standards for weed resistance management.
“Katagon is another example of how HELM is bringing new technology to market that addresses the ever-changing needs of growers,” says Schumacher. “Katagon is a total package solution that helps growers overcome resistance issues with the end result in driving up yield potential and profitability.”
