Introduction of Bayer Momiji Herbicide
Momiji is Bayer’s selective pre-emergence herbicide designed primarily to protect cereal crops — especially wheat — from early season grass weeds like Phalaris minor. It’s widely used by growers who want long-lasting soil activity and a simple, effective weed-management solution during the crop’s establishment phase.
Table of Contents
Technical name & formulation
Technical / active ingredient: Pyroxasulfone (85% w/w), formulated as a water-dispersible granule (85% WG). Pyroxasulfone belongs to a newer chemical class that inhibits very-long-chain-fatty-acid (VLCFA) elongation in plants, disrupting weed growth soon after germination.
Recommended doses
Dose per acre: 60 g / acre (single pre-sowing or immediately after sowing application for wheat).
Dose per litre (spray concentration): Common practical guidance used by retailers and product instructions is 0.3 g per litre of water — for example 60 g in ~200 L water (≈0.3 g/L). For small knapsack applications a 15 L pump would use roughly 4.5–6 g per 15 L depending on local recommendations. Always calculate spray volume per acre used on your farm and scale the product dose accordingly.
Timing: Apply Momiji as a pre-emergent treatment — generally within 0–3 days after sowing for optimal control of Phalaris minor and other early grass weeds in wheat. Follow the label for crop-specific timing.
Also Read: Bayer Ghasa Herbicide: Complete Guide for Farmers
How it works (mode of action)
Pyroxasulfone acts as a soil-active inhibitor of VLCFA elongases, interfering with fatty-acid elongation steps that are essential for cell membranes and cuticle formation in germinating weed seedlings. Because it’s taken up from the soil by the emerging radicle and coleoptile, it delivers reliable early control and a useful residual window to protect the crop during establishment.
Uses — which crops and weeds
Primary crop use: Wheat (most commonly recommended). Some market material mentions maize and soybean for specific situations, but always check the label for registered crops in your region.
Target weeds: Especially effective against Phalaris minor (a major weed in wheat) and many other early-emerging grass and small broadleaf weeds when used as a pre-emergent. It provides season-long residual activity that suppresses weeds emerging after sowing.
Also Read: Bayer Council® Activ Herbicide – Complete Guide for Farmers
Key benefits for farmers
- Season-long residual control: One timely application controls weeds emerging over several weeks, reducing the need for follow-up hand weeding or additional sprays. Selective and crop-safe (when used as labeled): Designed to target weeds while being safe to the crop if applied at recommended rates and timing.
- Labour & water saving: By providing long residual protection, Momiji cuts labour and potential re-spray costs, and requires only routine spray volumes.
- Improved crop establishment and yields: Cleaner seedbeds and less competition early on mean better tillering and potential yield gains.
Practical application tips
Measure carefully. Use an accurate balance to weigh the 60 g/acre dose; small mistakes at low gram doses matter.
Mixing: Add the measured granules to a small amount of water first, stir to form a slurry, then add the remainder of water while agitating to ensure even distribution. Follow the product label instructions for mixing and agitation.
Spray volume: Many labels recommend diluting the 60 g/acre in around 150–200 L of water per acre (adjust local spray volume as per your sprayer setup). For knapsack use, scale down concentration proportionally (examples online list ~4.5–6 g per 15 L pump).
Application window: Apply immediately after sowing or within the first few days (0–3 days) to get maximum contact with weed seed zones. Avoid late post-emergence use unless the label explicitly permits it.
Also Read: Bayer Laudis® Herbicide — fast, flexible weed control for maize
Safety & stewardship
- Always read and follow the product label and local registration: PPE, buffer zones, maximum seasonal dose, and re-entry intervals vary by jurisdiction. Pyroxasulfone is a potent active ingredient — responsible use and obeying label restrictions are essential.
- Rotate modes of action and integrate cultural methods (crop rotation, competitive varieties, delayed sowing where appropriate) to manage resistance risk in weed populations.
Final thoughts
Bayer Momiji (Pyroxasulfone 85% WG) is a modern pre-emergent tool that offers long residual control of problematic early weeds in wheat, notably Phalaris minor. Its low per-acre dose (60 g/acre) and reliable soil activity make it attractive for growers looking to simplify early weed control and protect crop establishment — but correct measurement, timing (0–3 days after sowing), and label compliance are non-negotiable for safety and effectiveness.
Also Read: About Momiji Herbicide on the BAYER Site
