Innovation Case: MAMETSUBU
MAMETSUBU is a water-surface application formulation for rice developed independently by Kumiai Chemical Industry. While standard granules are 0.8 to 1.2 mm in size, MAMETSUBU granules are as large as 3 to 8 mm, and when applied to paddy fields, they float on the surface of the water and disintegrate over a short time, diffusing the active ingredients throughout the paddy field. The major features of the MAMETSUBU product are that it can be applied in a labor-saving manner without entering the paddy field and that it can be used by various means regardless of the spraying method.
Conventional rice herbicides require uniform application of 30 kg or 10 kg per 1 ha. This is a physically demanding and time-consuming task. The MAMETSUBU formulation was created in response to the demand for labor-saving and simplified pest control due to the aging of farmers and the intensification of field operations.
MAMETSUBU formulation can be applied by a variety of application methods as the amount of treatment per 1 ha is extremely small (2.5 kg) and does not necessarily require uniform spraying due to its floating property and excellent spreading properties. In addition to hand, package, and dipper applications, it can be applied by unmanned helicopters, radio-controlled boats, and engine dusters in larger fields. It is also the optimal formulation for drone application.
In 2015, we received the Society Award (on prominent achievement) from the Pesticide Science Society of Japan for the development of the novel formulation "MAMETSUBU" for the paddy rice.
