Fusilade Forte 128 EC Herbicide

Fusilade® Forte 128 EC is a rapidly absorbed, selective post-emergent herbicide designed for reliable control of annual and perennial grass weeds, including difficult species such as couch grass. It retains all the proven benefits of Fusilade® FC, enhanced by the unique Isolink® surfactant system for superior uptake, spreading, and rainfastness.

Fusilade Forte contains 128 g/L fluazifop-P (butyl ester) in an emulsifiable concentrate formulation. Fluazifop-P belongs to the “fop” group of herbicides and is classified as a Group A herbicide for resistance management.

Key Features and Benefits of Fulisade Forte

• Reliable control of grass weeds
• Unique formulation
• Improved mixing and spraying
• Rapid absorption
• Improved spreading and uptake
• Superior rainfastedness

How Fusilade® Forte Works

Fusilade Forte works by inhibiting acetyl-CoA carboxylase, an enzyme essential for fatty acid and lipid synthesis within grass weeds. Once absorbed through leaves and green stems, the active ingredient is translocated to the growing points of the plant, including roots, rhizomes, stolons and leaf tips.

Growth stops within approximately two days of application, preventing further competition for moisture and nutrients. Visual symptoms such as discolouration, swelling, necrosis and eventual plant death typically appear within 7 to 10 days, delivering effective control of both annual and perennial grasses.

Isolink® Formulation Technology

The Isolink® formulation combines the active ingredient, surfactants and oils into microscopic droplets within the emulsifiable concentrate. This formulation improves spray stability, enhances wetting and spreading on leaf surfaces, and maximises uptake through the cuticle. Because the surfactants and oils are already built into the formulation, no additional adjuvants are required.

Grass Weeds Controlled

Fusilade Forte provides powerful post-emergent control of many annual grass weeds and selected perennial grasses. It is particularly effective against couch grass, delivering strong control of regrowth from stolons and rhizomes when applied correctly.

Couch Grass Control Strategies

For general couch grass control, Fusilade Forte can be applied at 3.3–6.6 L/ha as a single application in spring or autumn, using the higher rate for well-established infestations. Applications should be made in a minimum of 200 L/ha water to ensure good coverage.

In situations where infestations contain a high proportion of advanced shoots, a split or “double-knock” strategy may provide improved long-term control. This may involve either split seasonal applications or the use of SPRAY.SEED® to remove top growth, followed by Fusilade Forte 50–70 days later once regrowth reaches approximately 5 cm. Trials have demonstrated superior long-term regrowth control compared to alternative options such as Verdict®.

Application Timing and Guidelines

Fusilade Forte should be applied to young, actively growing grass weeds, ideally between the three-leaf stage and early tillering. Higher rates are required once tillering occurs, while applications made to stressed or dormant weeds will result in reduced performance.

Good coverage is essential for optimal results. Applications should be made using 100–300 L/ha water, with flat fan nozzles producing fine to medium droplets (150–300 microns). Best results are achieved under cool or humid conditions (Delta T < 8°C), and applications should be avoided during periods of high temperature, low humidity, or when weeds are under stress.

Where to Use Fusilade® Forte

Fusilade Forte is registered for selective grass weed control in a wide range of situations, including horticultural crops, vineyards, tree crops, ornamentals and nursery trees, where effective post-emergent grass control is required without compromising crop safety.