Can You Mix Butyrac 200 and Clethodim? Label and Control Risks
Butyrac 200 and clethodim should only be mixed when both product labels allow the tank mix for the same crop, site, weed target and local registration.
The main concern is not only whether the two products can physically mix in the spray tank. The bigger concern is whether the tank mix will reduce weed control or increase crop safety risk.
Butyrac 200 is a 2,4-DB broadleaf herbicide, while clethodim is a postemergence grass herbicide. Clethodim labels commonly warn that tank mixes with broadleaf herbicides may reduce grass control, and the most restrictive label directions must be followed in any tank mix.
Quick Answer
You may only mix Butyrac 200 and clethodim if both labels clearly allow that use pattern.
Before mixing, check:
- Same crop or site approval
- Same local registration area
- Target weeds listed on the labels
- Crop stage restrictions
- Adjuvant directions
- Rainfastness and timing limits
- Re-entry and safety rules
- Crop rotation restrictions
- The most restrictive label
Do not assume the tank mix is suitable just because one product controls broadleaf weeds and the other controls grass weeds.
What Is Butyrac 200?
Butyrac 200 is a 2,4-DB herbicide used for controlling label-listed broadleaf weeds in approved crops and sites.
It is not the same as clethodim. Butyrac 200 is used for broadleaf weed control, not grass weed control.
Crop tolerance is important. The Butyrac 200 label warns that crop varieties can vary in response to 2,4-DB, and crop injury may occur if the product does not fit the variety, crop condition or local use situation.
What Is Clethodim?
Clethodim is a selective postemergence grass herbicide.
It is mainly used to control annual and perennial grass weeds where the label allows. It does not control sedges or broadleaf weeds. Clethodim labels also note that grass crops such as corn, rice, sorghum, small grains and turf are highly sensitive to clethodim.
This means clethodim and Butyrac 200 have different target weeds:
- Clethodim targets grass weeds.
- Butyrac 200 targets broadleaf weeds.
That is why many users ask whether they can be mixed. They want one pass for grass weeds and broadleaf weeds.
Why Do People Want to Mix Butyrac 200 and Clethodim?
The reason is simple.
Many fields may have both grass weeds and broadleaf weeds at the same time. A grower may want to save time by using one tank mix instead of making separate applications.
But convenience does not always mean better control.
A tank mix must still meet three conditions:
- It must be allowed by both labels.
- It must be safe for the crop or site.
- It must still provide reliable weed control.
If one of these conditions is not met, separate applications may be a better choice.
Main Concern: Reduced Grass Control
The main technical risk is reduced grass control from clethodim.
Clethodim labels warn that tank mixes with broadleaf herbicides may reduce grass control. They also note that if grass regrowth occurs, an additional clethodim application may be needed according to label directions.
This is important because the user may think:
“I mixed a broadleaf herbicide with a grass herbicide, so I should get broader control.”
But in practice, the tank mix may weaken the grass herbicide performance.
Grass weeds may:
- Yellow slowly but recover
- Show partial injury
- Regrow later
- Survive if coverage is poor
- Survive if they are large or stressed
So the real question is not only “Can they be mixed?”
The better question is:
Will this tank mix still give reliable grass control under label-approved conditions?
Label Check Before Mixing
Before considering a tank mix, the product labels must be checked carefully.
Confirm these points:
- Is Butyrac 200 labeled for the crop or site?
- Is clethodim labeled for the crop or site?
- Are both products registered for the local market?
- Are the target weeds listed?
- Is the crop stage allowed?
- Are the adjuvant directions compatible?
- Are there restrictions on timing?
- Are there restrictions on crop rotation?
- Are there worker safety or re-entry limits?
- Which label has the strictest requirement?
Clethodim labels state that when products are used in tank mixtures, users must follow the applicable restrictions and limitations for all products, and the most restrictive labeling applies.
Adjuvant and Crop Safety Concerns
Adjuvant selection can be a major issue in tank mixes.
Clethodim products often have specific adjuvant requirements. Broadleaf herbicides may also have their own label directions. If the adjuvant directions conflict, crop injury or poor control may occur.
Do not add crop oil, surfactant, nitrogen fertilizer or any other adjuvant unless the label allows it for that tank mix.
This is especially important when:
- The crop is under drought stress
- The crop is under heat or cold stress
- The crop variety is sensitive
- The field has uneven growth
- The weed pressure is heavy
- The label language is not clear
This article does not provide mixing rates, adjuvant rates or spray instructions.
When Separate Applications May Be Better
Separate applications may be better when grass control is the main priority.
This is especially true if:
- Grass weeds are large
- Grass weeds are dense
- Grass weeds are the main problem
- Clethodim performance has been weak before
- The crop is stressed
- Broadleaf weeds may block spray coverage
- Label directions are unclear
- The tank mix may reduce grass control
- Local registration does not clearly support the mix
Clethodim label language also warns not to tank mix when broadleaf weeds are tall or dense enough to prevent proper grass coverage.
In these situations, separating the applications may give more reliable grass control.
What This Tank Mix Does Not Mean
Mixing Butyrac 200 and clethodim does not automatically mean better weed control.
It does not mean:
- All broadleaf weeds will be controlled
- All grass weeds will be controlled
- Crop injury risk is removed
- Clethodim performance will stay the same
- The mix is approved in every crop
- The mix is approved in every country
- Any adjuvant can be added
- The same label applies in every market
Tank mix decisions must be based on the actual product labels and local registration.
What Buyers Should Understand
For importers, distributors and agricultural retailers, this topic shows a clear market demand.
Customers often want a convenient solution for both:
- Broadleaf weed control
- Grass weed control
But a supplier should not promote this combination as a simple “one-pass solution” without label support.
When evaluating this type of program, buyers should check:
- 2,4-DB registration scope
- Clethodim registration scope
- Crop safety data
- Target weed lists
- Tank mix label language
- Grass control risk
- Adjuvant requirements
- PHI, REI and crop rotation limits
- COA, MSDS, TDS and label support
- Local regulatory requirements
A strong herbicide program is not only about combining active ingredients. It must match crop safety, weed spectrum, resistance planning and label compliance.
FAQ
Can you mix Butyrac 200 and clethodim?
Only if both product labels allow the tank mix for the same crop, site and local registration. Always follow the most restrictive label.
Will Butyrac 200 reduce clethodim grass control?
It may. Clethodim labels commonly warn that tank mixes with broadleaf herbicides may reduce grass control.
What does Butyrac 200 control?
Butyrac 200 is a 2,4-DB broadleaf herbicide. It is used for label-listed broadleaf weed control in approved crops or sites.
What does clethodim control?
Clethodim is a postemergence grass herbicide. It is used for annual and perennial grass weed control where labeled, but it does not control broadleaf weeds or sedges.
Should Butyrac 200 and clethodim be sprayed separately?
Separate applications may be better when grass control is the main priority, when grass weeds are large or dense, when the crop is stressed, or when label directions are unclear.
Can I add crop oil when mixing Butyrac 200 and clethodim?
Do not add any adjuvant unless the product labels allow it for the tank mix. Adjuvant directions must be checked carefully.
Why did clethodim not control grass after a tank mix?
Possible reasons include antagonism from a broadleaf herbicide, large grass weeds, poor coverage, crop or weed stress, weather conditions, or use outside label directions.
Is this tank mix safe for all crops?
No. Crop safety depends on the crop, variety, growth stage, local label and field condition. Do not use the mix unless both labels support the crop and site.
Practical Summary
Butyrac 200 and clethodim should only be mixed when both labels allow the tank mix for the same crop, site and local registration. The main risk is reduced grass control from clethodim, especially when mixed with broadleaf herbicides. When grass control is the main priority, separate applications may be more reliable under label-approved conditions.
