What is Metribuzin?

Metribuzin is a selective triazinone herbicide widely used for pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control in various crops. Known for its broad-spectrum control of broadleaf weeds and some grasses, metribuzin is favored by growers for its residual activity, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with other herbicides.

Its active mode of action involves the inhibition of photosystem II, disrupting photosynthesis in susceptible weeds. Metribuzin is absorbed through both foliage and roots, making it effective in both pre-plant and early post-emergent applications.

While it’s a powerful weed control tool, crop sensitivity and herbicide injury risks are critical considerations, especially in crops like soybeans, corn, wheat, and tomatoes.

Metribuzin Herbicide Uses: Overview of Application

Metribuzin herbicide uses span a wide range of crops and agronomic situations. It can be used in:

• Soybeans
• Corn (specific hybrids)
• Wheat
• Tomatoes
• Alfalfa
• Potatoes
• Sugarcane
• Asparagus, and more

Its versatility comes from its pre- and early post-emergent flexibility, but soil type, crop variety, pH, and weather conditions must all be carefully considered to avoid crop injury.

Metribuzin in Soybeans: Effective but Risky

Metribuzin Uses in Soybeans

Metribuzin is often used in soybean production to manage problematic broadleaf weeds like pigweed, lambsquarters, and velvetleaf. It is applied as a burndown pre-plant treatment, a pre-emergent tank-mix partner, or an early post-emergent herbicide in certain tolerant varieties.

Metribuzin Injury in Soybeans

One of the most searched concerns is “metribuzin injury soybeans” or “metribuzin soybean injury.”

• Symptoms: Chlorosis, leaf burning, stunting, and in severe cases, plant death.
• Risk Factors:
  • Sandy or low organic matter soils
  • High soil pH (>7.0)
  • Rainfall soon after application
  • Sensitive soybean varieties

Varietal sensitivity is critical—some soybean cultivars are not metribuzin-tolerant, especially if applied post-emergence. Always consult the herbicide label and seed provider for metribuzin compatibility.

Metribuzin on Corn: Use With Caution

Metribuzin for Corn – When It’s Safe

Metribuzin can be used in corn production, but only with specific hybrids that are tolerant. It is often combined with other herbicides like atrazine, glyphosate, or acetochlor to enhance weed spectrum and resistance management.

Will Metribuzin Kill Corn?

If used incorrectly, metribuzin can injure or kill corn, especially:

• Non-tolerant hybrids
• Sandy or low organic matter soils
• Shallow planting
• Cold and wet conditions after application

Injury symptoms include yellowing of leaf margins, leaf cupping, or stand reduction. Always refer to hybrid-specific tolerance ratings before applying.

Metribuzin in Wheat: Selective and Effective

Metribuzin Herbicide on Wheat

Metribuzin is labeled for use in winter wheat and sometimes spring wheat, depending on the formulation and timing. It helps control winter annual broadleaf weeds such as chickweed, henbit, and field pennycress.

• Best used in early post-emergence stages
• Safe when wheat is at the 2–4 leaf stage
• Avoid spraying during stress or freeze events

Proper application ensures excellent residual activity without significant crop damage.

Metribuzin in Tomatoes: Widely Used with Good Tolerance

Tomatoes are one of the crops most tolerant to metribuzin. It is used both pre-emergence and post-transplant to control weeds like purslane, nightshade, and pigweed.

• Safe on most varieties when used correctly
• Typically applied 7–14 days after transplanting
• Avoid use on seedlings or stressed plants

Metribuzin herbicide in tomato production is favored because it controls key weeds with minimal crop injury, making it a staple in commercial tomato weed control programs.

Mixing Metribuzin with Other Herbicides: Key Considerations

Metribuzin is often tank-mixed with other herbicides to broaden weed control or to create burndown-preemergent combinations. Popular mixes include:

• Metribuzin + Glyphosate
• Metribuzin + Valor (flumioxazin)
• Metribuzin + Dual (S-metolachlor)

Before mixing metribuzin and glyphosate or other actives, make sure:

• Both are compatible with your crop
• Application timing is within label guidelines
• Weather and soil conditions are favorable

Crop Safety Tips: How to Avoid Metribuzin Injury

To minimize crop injury across all crops:

• Test soil pH and organic matter
• Check herbicide-tolerant crop lists
• Apply at recommended growth stages
• Avoid spraying before heavy rain or on wet, cold soils
• Always read and follow product-specific labels

Conclusion: Is Metribuzin the Right Choice?

Metribuzin is a powerful, cost-effective herbicide with proven success across soybeans, corn, wheat, and tomatoes, but it requires careful management to prevent crop injury.

For soybeans: Safe on tolerant varieties—check compatibility.
For corn: Only use on labeled hybrids.
For wheat: A reliable early post-emergent tool.
For tomatoes: Effective with minimal risk if applied at correct timing.

If you’re planning to integrate metribuzin herbicide into your weed control program, it’s essential to understand crop-specific risks, label recommendations, and mixing guidelines.

Need Professional Help or Custom Formulation?

We are a reliable agrochemical manufacturer and exporter offering:

• Custom metribuzin formulations
• Crop-specific herbicide recommendations
• Private labeling and OEM services

Contact us to learn how we can help optimize your crop protection strategy with safe and effective metribuzin-based solutions.