- Sakura 850 WG is a selective pre-emergence herbicide developed specifically to protect field crops from the most damaging weeds – annual grass (narrow-leaved) weeds – which are the main cause of yield loss in wheat during the early growth stages. It works in the soil directly after sowing, forming an effective protective layer that stops weed seeds from germinating and halts root and shoot growth at the very start, giving the crop a clean, competition-free environment during the critical part of the season.
- Sakura offers good soil persistence and high efficiency at low rates, making it a reliable choice in weed control programmes, especially in wheat fields infested with wild oats, zamir grass and Phalaris – weeds that are hard to control after emergence.
Key Features
- Early control of weeds before they appear.
- Highly effective against annual grass weeds.
- Gives the crop a strong, clean start from the beginning of the season.
- Reduces competition for water, fertilizer and nutrients.
- Provides relatively extended soil protection after sowing.
- Reduces the need for later corrective sprays.
- Suitable for integrated weed management and resistance management programmes.
Weeds Controlled
- Annual grass weeds (main target): wild oats – zamir grass – annual grasses – Phalaris – millet – wild sorghum.
- Some broadleaf weeds sensitive at early germination: purslane – cockscomb – wild mustard – black nightshade.
Specifications
- Trade name: Sakura
- Product type: Selective herbicide
- Timing: Pre-emergence
- Mode of action: Soil-applied
- Active ingredient: Pyroxasulfone 85%
- Formulation: Water-dispersible granules (WG)
- Herbicide group: Group 15
- Net weight: 1 kg
- Country of origin: Japan
- Manufacturer: Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd
- Target crops: wheat (main crop), barley and maize
Directions for Use
- Apply Sakura as a soil spray directly after sowing and before weeds emerge. Adequate soil moisture is preferred to activate the active ingredient and form the protective layer. Do not apply to emerged weeds, and do not disturb the soil after spraying to keep the herbicide effective.
- Wheat (main crop): use 100–150 g per feddan, dissolved in 200–300 L of water per feddan.
- Spray directly after sowing, before irrigation or after a light irrigation; it stops wild oats, zamir grass and Phalaris from germinating.
- Barley: use 100–150 g per feddan, applied the same way as wheat, directly after sowing.
- Maize: use 150–200 g per feddan.
- Spray directly after sowing and before weeds appear; irrigation after spraying is recommended to activate the active ingredient.
Key Points for Best Results
- Do not use on emerged weeds.
- Do not disturb the soil surface after spraying.
- Light soil moisture is preferred.
- Do not tank-mix with other pesticides without a compatibility test.
- Follow the recommended rate according to soil type and weed density.
Additional Benefits
- Helps improve nutrient uptake efficiency.
- Reduces fertilizer and water losses caused by weed competition.
- Improves crop uniformity and vigour.
- Increases final yield, especially in wheat.
- Used in herbicide rotation programmes to limit resistance.
Why Sakura Matters in Wheat
- Wheat is among the crops most affected by grass weeds, because they closely resemble the crop in the early stages, making post-emergence control difficult and costly. Using Sakura pre-emergence prevents these weeds from appearing in the first place and reduces competition for water and nutrients, which directly improves tillering, uniform growth, ear numbers and final yield.
Mode of Action
- Sakura is absorbed by weed seeds and seedlings during germination, where it inhibits cell division in the roots, stops seedling elongation and causes germination failure or seedling death at a very early stage. It does not affect the crop when used at the recommended rates and timing.
Orkida Tip
- Sakura's real strength lies in correct timing: it is a preventive pre-emergence herbicide, and it gives its best results when applied directly after sowing with adequate soil moisture.