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Home » News » Industry News » What Is Nicosulfuron And How Does It Work As A Herbicide?

What Is Nicosulfuron And How Does It Work As A Herbicide?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-07-14      Origin: Site

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Nicosulfuron is a special herbicide that farmers use in maize fields. This herbicide kills both grass and broadleaf weeds. It is very good at stopping weeds that fight with maize. Studies show nicosulfuron works better than other herbicides like 2,4-D and atrazine. Farmers get better crop growth and more maize when they use nicosulfuron. This is because it keeps the field free of weeds. Its special way of working protects maize but removes weeds. This helps farmers grow healthy and safe crops.


Nicosulfuron is a herbicide. It kills grass and broadleaf weeds. It does not hurt maize if used right.It works by stopping an important plant enzyme. This makes weeds stop growing. The weeds then die.The herbicide moves inside the weed plant. It goes to the roots and shoots. This gives strong and full control.Farmers should spray nicosulfuron when maize has 2 to 6 leaves. They should spray when weeds are small for best results.Using nicosulfuron the right way helps control weeds. It protects crops. It also lowers harm to people and the environment.


Nicosulfuron Overview

Nicosulfuron Overview

Chemical Properties

Nicosulfuron is a sulfonylurea herbicide. It looks like a white or off-white solid. Its molecular formula is C15H18N6O6S. The molecular weight is about 410 grams per mole. The chemical structure has dimethoxypyrimidinyl and dimethylcarbamoyl-pyridylsulfonyl groups. The CAS number for nicosulfuron is 111991-09-4. Its SMILES code shows how the atoms connect: O=C(C1=CC=CN=C1S(=O)(NC(NC2=NC(OC)=CC(OC)=N2)=O)=O)N(C)C.

Property

Details

Molecular Formula

C15H18N6O6S

Molecular Weight

410.41 g/mol

CAS Number

111991-09-4

Appearance

White to off-white solid

SMILES

O=C(C1=CC=CN=C1S(=O)(NC(NC2=NC(OC)=CC(OC)=N2)=O)=O)N(C)C

Nicosulfuron mixes well with water, methanol, acetone, and acetonitrile. It does not mix well with dichloromethane, ether, or n-hexane. The compound stays stable in acid and neutral places. In alkaline places, it breaks down faster. In soil, nicosulfuron breaks down by hydrolysis and microbes. Low soil pH slows this because the herbicide sticks more to soil.


Agricultural Uses

Farmers use nicosulfuron to control weeds in maize fields. This herbicide targets grass and broadleaf weeds. It helps crops by removing plants that take nutrients and sunlight. Nicosulfuron works well in many parts of the world.

Region

Market Share / Growth Rate

Usage Drivers and Context

North America

~30% market share (2023), CAGR 6.5%

Extensive agriculture, advanced farming practices, high herbicide use in maize and soybeans.

Asia Pacific

Highest growth rate, CAGR 8.1% (2024-2032)

Expanding agricultural lands, population growth, adoption of modern farming in China, India, Australia.

Europe

~25% market share (2023), CAGR 6.8%

Favorable regulations, sustainable farming emphasis, key markets include Germany, France, UK.

Latin America

Substantial growth opportunities

Increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and regulatory frameworks.

Bar chart comparing nicosulfuron market share and growth rate by region

North America uses nicosulfuron the most, especially in the United States. Maize farming is common there. Asia-Pacific is growing fastest, with China and India using more herbicides. Europe and Latin America also use nicosulfuron. They focus on sustainable farming and large crop fields.


Products

Many products have nicosulfuron as the main ingredient. These products are thick liquids with about 40 grams per liter. Farmers mix them with water before spraying on crops. The most used products are Nicorn 040 SC, Nikosulfuron 040 SC, and Maksymus 040 SC.

Product Name

Average Concentration (g/l)

Confidence Interval (95%)

Concentration Range (g/l)

Nicorn 040 SC

41.14

40.27 – 42.02

37.6 – 43.2

Nikosulfuron 040 SC

41.00

37.24 – 44.76

39.8 – 42.7

Maksymus 040 SC

41.43

40.92 – 41.95

41.2 – 41.6

Tip: Farmers should always read and follow the label. This helps them use the product safely and control weeds well.

Dalian Sinobio Chemistry Co.,Ltd. makes nicosulfuron and other farm chemicals. The company started in 2011 and has two factories in China. One factory makes biocides. The other makes water treatment chemicals. The company uses new technology and checks quality carefully. Dalian Sinobio Chemistry Co.,Ltd. is known for good service and quality products. Many customers around the world trust this company for herbicides. For more details, visit Dalian Sinobio Chemistry Co.,Ltd. products page.


Herbicide Mode of Action

ALS Enzyme Inhibition

Nicosulfuron is a selective herbicide. It targets an enzyme in plants called acetolactate synthase (ALS). This enzyme helps plants make amino acids like valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Nicosulfuron attaches to ALS and stops it from working. The plant cannot make these amino acids anymore. Without them, the plant cannot build proteins. This stops the plant from growing and causes it to die.


Scientists learned that nicosulfuron works best on weeds with normal ALS enzymes. Some weeds change their ALS enzyme shape. This makes it harder for the herbicide to attach. Other weeds make more ALS enzyme or break down the herbicide faster. These changes help weeds survive. Still, nicosulfuron controls many weeds by stopping ALS.

Note: When ALS does not work, plants cannot use carbohydrates right. Sugars build up in the leaves. This hurts the plant more and makes it die faster.

  • Nicosulfuron stops the ALS enzyme, so plants cannot make amino acids.

  • Some weeds resist nicosulfuron by changing ALS or breaking down the herbicide.

  • Studies show resistant weeds keep growing because their ALS works or they detoxify the herbicide.


Systemic Activity

Nicosulfuron is a systemic herbicide. Farmers spray it on weed leaves. The plant takes in the herbicide through the leaf surface. Most of the herbicide moves inside the plant in six hours. Some stays on the leaf, but much of it goes to the stem and roots.


This movement is important. It lets nicosulfuron reach deep inside the weed. The herbicide can stop growth even in parts not sprayed. This makes it very good at killing grass and broadleaf weeds.

  • Nicosulfuron enters the plant through the leaves.

  • The herbicide moves to the roots and shoots.

  • Systemic action means the whole weed is affected, not just the sprayed part.


Selectivity in Crops

Nicosulfuron is very selective for maize. It kills weeds but does not hurt maize when used right. Maize breaks down nicosulfuron fast with special enzymes. These enzymes are called cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and glutathione S-transferases. They change the herbicide into safe forms before it can hurt the plant.


Genes in maize also help. Some maize types have genes that break down nicosulfuron faster. Safeners are chemicals added to some herbicides. They help maize make more of these enzymes. Maize with strong detoxifying genes keeps growing after treatment. Sensitive maize may get hurt if it cannot break down the herbicide fast enough.

Tip: Always use nicosulfuron at the right rate for your maize. This keeps the crop safe and helps the herbicide work well.

  • Maize breaks down nicosulfuron fast, so it is safe for the crop.

  • Special genes and enzymes in maize help detoxify the herbicide.

  • Safeners help maize tolerate nicosulfuron by boosting detoxification.

  • Field studies show recommended doses are safe for resistant maize.


Weeds Controlled

Weeds Controlled

Grass Weeds

Nicosulfuron helps farmers control weeds in maize fields. Farmers use it after weeds have started growing. It works well on annual grass weeds. Large crabgrass, called Digitaria sanguinalis, is a big problem in many places. Nicosulfuron kills this weed and also other grasses like Panicum miliaceum. Tests in fields show nicosulfuron works on grasses like Echinochloa crus-galli. It works best when mixed with the right helpers. Some grasses, like Echinochloa oryzoides and Echinochloa phyllopogon, are harder to control. But most annual panicoid grasses die when treated. Nicosulfuron often works as well or better than other herbicides. It still works even if farmers use less. Adding special helpers can make weed control reach 94%. This makes nicosulfuron a good choice for fighting grass weeds.


Broadleaf Weeds

Nicosulfuron also fights many broadleaf weeds in maize fields. Tests in Iran used different amounts of this herbicide. Higher amounts controlled weeds like Amaranthus spp. (pigweed), Chenopodium album (common lambsquarters), Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf), Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle), and Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed). The herbicide stops weeds from growing by blocking the ALS enzyme. This makes the weeds turn yellow and die. Nicosulfuron worked as well or better than mixes like 2,4-D plus MCPA. Farmers saw fewer weeds and more maize after using it.


Resistance Issues

Some weeds have become resistant to nicosulfuron. The table below gives examples from China:

Weed Species

Location

Resistance Level

Resistance Mechanisms

Setaria viridis

Northern China

Up to 35.8-fold

ALS gene mutations, enhanced metabolism

Digitaria sanguinalis

Hebei Province

6.9-fold

ALS gene mutation, GST-mediated metabolic resistance

Weeds can resist nicosulfuron in two main ways. Target-site resistance happens when the ALS enzyme changes shape. Then the herbicide cannot stick to it. Non-target-site resistance means the weed breaks down the herbicide faster. This can also make weeds resist other herbicides. Farmers should switch herbicides and use more than one way to fight weeds. This helps slow down resistance.


Application and Safety

Application Timing

Farmers get the best results when they use nicosulfuron at the right time. The best time is when maize has 2 to 6 leaves. Weeds should be small and growing fast. This helps the post-emergence herbicide work well and keeps maize safe. The table below shows when and how to spray:

Crop

Target Weeds

Dosage (L/ha)

Timing

Application Method

Maize

Annual grasses & broadleafs

1.0 – 1.25

2–6 leaf stage (post-emergence)

Ground foliar spray, uniform coverage

Farmers should spray in the morning or evening. Warm weather above 20°C helps the herbicide work better. Calm days stop the spray from drifting. Wet soil helps the plants take in the herbicide. If it rains within eight hours, the herbicide still works.


Usage Guidelines

Using nicosulfuron the right way keeps maize safe and kills weeds. Farmers must always read and follow the label. They should not use more than the label says. Too much herbicide can hurt crops like sugar beet. High amounts may turn leaves yellow, slow growth, or even kill plants. Spray drift can also harm other crops nearby. Mixing with other herbicides helps control more weeds and slows resistance. Some products have safeners. These let farmers spray for longer, even if it is hot or rainy.

Tip: Always check the maize stage and weather before spraying. Do not spray during drought or if maize looks weak.


Safety and Environment

Nicosulfuron is not very toxic to people or animals. Tests show it is safe for fish, daphnids, and green algae. It does not cause much skin or eye irritation. Farmers should still wear gloves and avoid touching it. The herbicide can stay in soil and water. In acid soil, it breaks down fast. In alkaline soil, it stays longer. Leftover herbicide can hurt some crops grown later and soil microbes. Some studies show special enzymes and biological ways can help clean up residues. Farmers should rotate herbicides and use good methods to keep soil and water safe.


Nicosulfuron gives many benefits to maize farmers.

  • It kills grass weeds but does not hurt maize.

  • The herbicide spreads inside the weed for strong control.

  • It is not very toxic and breaks down fast in nature.

  • Using it helps farmers use new tools and farm in better ways.

To get the best results, spray after maize comes up and do these things:

  1. Spray before maize has more than 6 leaves.

  2. Do not treat plants that are weak or stressed.

  3. Use the right amount of spray and add surfactants.

Farmers can reach out to Dalian Sinobio Chemistry Co.,Ltd. to learn more or get a trusted supply.


FAQ

What crops can farmers use nicosulfuron on?

Farmers mostly use nicosulfuron in maize fields. It works best for maize. Other crops might not handle it well. Always read the label before using it.


How long does nicosulfuron stay in the soil?

Nicosulfuron breaks down faster in acid soil. In alkaline soil, it stays longer. Usually, it disappears from most fields in a few weeks.


Is nicosulfuron safe for people and animals?

Nicosulfuron is not very toxic to people or animals. Farmers should wear gloves and avoid touching it. Always follow the safety rules on the label.


What weeds does nicosulfuron control best?

  • Nicosulfuron kills many annual grass weeds.

  • It also works on some broadleaf weeds like pigweed and lambsquarters.

  • Some tough weeds might need other products or extra help.


Can weeds become resistant to nicosulfuron?

Yes, some weeds can become resistant. Farmers should switch herbicides and use different ways to control weeds. This helps nicosulfuron keep working well.


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