Herbicide prices in South Africa vary significantly based on the type of product (selective vs. non-selective), active ingredients, brand, and container size. Prices range from under R200 for small consumer weed killers to over R2,800 for large agricultural-grade containers.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of current herbicide prices available in the South African market, including both consumer garden products and agricultural chemicals.
Herbicide Prices in South Africa (Current Year)
Price Summary Table
The table below compares herbicides currently available in South Africa.
| Product Name | Active Ingredient / Type | Container Size | Price (ZAR) | Best For | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate Herbicide | Glyphosate | 1 litre | R255 (Ex VAT) | General weed control (non-selective) | Hospital Supplies |
| Glyphosate 360 SL | Glyphosate 360g/l | 1 litre | R109 (Sale) | Paving, pathways, non-selective control | GARDENING.co.za |
| Atrazine Herbicide | Atrazine (concentrate) | Not specified | R389 (Ex VAT) | Selective weed control in maize, sugarcane | Syringe.co.za |
| Atrazine Selective Herbicide Concentrate | Atrazine | Not specified | R650 (Ex VAT) | Corn, sugarcane, specific crops | Syringe.co.za |
| Efekto Banweed MCPA 6 x 200 ml | MCPA 400g/l | 6 x 200ml | R1,014 | Broadleaf weeds in lawns, sports fields | Isitsha |
| Herbicide Atrasien 500 SC | Atrazine 500g/l | Not specified | R1,497 (Ex VAT) | Residual pre-emergence for maize | Syringe.co.za |
| Herbicide Atrabex | Atrazine | Not specified | R1,497 (Ex VAT) | Grass and broadleaf weeds, maize, plantations | Syringe.co.za |
| Herbicide Optill | Saflufenacil + Imazethapyr | Not specified | R1,029 (Ex VAT) | Pre-plant for soybeans | Syringe.co.za |
| Herbicide Lontrel | Clopyralid | Not specified | R1,029 (Ex VAT) | Broadleaf weeds in crops, pasture, turf | Syringe.co.za |
| Herbicide Mamba | Glyphosate | Not specified | R1,029 (Ex VAT) | Non-selective broadleaf and grass | Syringe.co.za |
| Paraquat 200 SL Herbicide | Paraquat | 5 litres | R2,899 (Ex VAT) | Powerful weed control | Syringe.co.za |
Detailed Price Breakdown by Product Type
1. Glyphosate-Based Herbicides (Non-Selective)
Glyphosate is the most common non-selective, systemic herbicide used for general weed control. It kills most plants it contacts and is absorbed through leaves, travelling to the roots.
Glyphosate Herbicide (1 litre)
– Price: R255 (excluding VAT)
– Type: Non-selective systemic herbicide
– Application: Suitable for weed and pest control in farming, gardens, and commercial sites
– Best for: General weed control, home gardeners, small property owners
– Source: Hospital Supplies
Makhro Glyphosate 360 SL
– Price: R109 (Sale Price, was higher)
– Size: 1 litre
– Active Ingredient: Glyphosate 360g/l
– Type: Non-selective herbicide
– Application: Effective for weed control on paving, pebbles, pathways, and other hard surfaces
– Controls: Annual grasses, broadleaf weeds, perennial weeds, perennial grass, reeds, and shrubs
– Best for: Home gardeners, pathway and paving maintenance
– Source: GARDENING.co.za
Efekto Banweed MCPA (6 x 200ml pack)
– Price: R1,014
– Size: 6 x 200ml (1.2 litres total)
– Active Ingredient: MCPA 400g/l (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid) as dimethylamine salt
– Type: Selective post-emergent herbicide
– Application: Controls broadleaf weeds in lawns, sports fields, pastures, and cereal crops
– Features: Systemic, hormone-type herbicide that mimics natural plant growth hormones; safe for use on lawns and grass pastures when applied at recommended rates
– Best for: Lawn care professionals, sports field maintenance, large pasture areas
– Source: Isitsha
2. Atrazine-Based Herbicides (Selective)
Atrazine is a selective herbicide used primarily in maize, sugarcane, and other specific crops for pre-emergent and early post-emergent control of broadleaf and grassy weeds.
Atrazine Herbicide (Entry Level)
– Price: R389 (excluding VAT)
– Active Ingredient: Atrazine concentrate
– Type: Selective pre-emergent and post-emergent
– Application: Weed control in maize, sugarcane, and fallow fields
– Best for: Small-scale maize farmers, home food plots
– Source: Syringe.co.za
Atrazine Selective Herbicide Concentrate (Professional)
– Price: R650 (excluding VAT)
– Active Ingredient: Atrazine concentrate
– Type: Selective pre-emergent and post-emergent
– Application: Weed control in corn, sugarcane, and other specific crops
– Best for: Commercial crop production
– Source: Syringe.co.za
Herbicide Atrasien 500 SC
– Price: R1,497 (excluding VAT)
– Active Ingredient: Atrazine 500g/l
– Type: Residual pre-emergence herbicide
– Application: Specifically for maize crops
– Best for: Large-scale maize farming operations
– Source: Syringe.co.za
Herbicide Atrabex
– Price: R1,497 (excluding VAT)
– Active Ingredient: Atrazine
– Type: Residual herbicide
– Application: For grass and broadleaf weeds, often in maize and plantations
– Best for: Plantations and large agricultural operations
– Source: Syringe.co.za
3. Specialised Agricultural Herbicides
These products are designed for specific crops or weed types and are typically used in commercial farming operations.
Herbicide Optill
– Price: R1,029 (excluding VAT)
– Active Ingredients: Saflufenacil + Imazethapyr
– Type: Pre-plant herbicide
– Application: Pre-plant for soybeans with residual control
– Best for: Soybean farmers
– Source: Syringe.co.za
Herbicide Lontrel
– Price: R1,029 (excluding VAT)
– Active Ingredient: Clopyralid
– Type: Selective herbicide
– Application: Broadleaf weed control in crops, pasture, or turf
– Best for: Pasture and turf management
– Source: Syringe.co.za
Herbicide Mamba
– Price: R1,029 (excluding VAT)
– Active Ingredient: Glyphosate
– Type: Non-selective systemic herbicide
– Application: Broadleaf and grass weed control
– Best for: Large-scale non-selective weed management
– Source: Syringe.co.za
Paraquat 200 SL Herbicide
– Price: R2,899 (excluding VAT)
– Size: 5 litres
– Active Ingredient: Paraquat
– Type: Non-selective contact herbicide
– Application: Powerful weed control for tough infestations
– Best for: Large-scale, heavy-duty weed control
– Source: Syringe.co.za
Types of Herbicides
Based on Mode of Action:
– Selective Herbicides: Target specific weed types while leaving desired plants unharmed (e.g., MCPA for broadleaf weeds in lawns; Atrazine for grass and broadleaf weeds in maize)
– Non-Selective Herbicides: Kill or damage all vegetation they contact (e.g., Glyphosate-based products)
Based on Application Timing:
– Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Applied before weeds emerge from the soil; residual action prevents weed germination (e.g., Atrazine products)
– Post-Emergent Herbicides: Applied after weeds have emerged and are actively growing (e.g., MCPA, Glyphosate)
Based on Mobility:
– Systemic Herbicides: Absorbed and transported throughout the plant, killing roots and shoots (e.g., Glyphosate, MCPA)
– Contact Herbicides: Kill only the plant parts they directly contact (e.g., Paraquat)
Where to Buy Herbicides in South Africa
| Supplier | Location | Type | Contact/Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARDENING.co.za | South Africa | Garden & lawn herbicides | www.gardening.co.za |
| Syringe.co.za | South Africa | Agricultural chemicals | www.syringe.co.za |
| Isitsha | South Africa | General garden products | www.isitsha.co.za |
| Hospital Supplies | South Africa | Agricultural chemicals | hospitalsupplies.co.za |
Factors Influencing Herbicide Prices
Active Ingredient and Concentration: Products with higher concentrations of active ingredients typically cost more. The 500g/l Atrazine products are priced higher than standard concentrate versions.
Container Size and Packaging: Bulk purchases offer better value per unit. The 6 x 200ml Banweed pack costs R1,014, while a single small container would likely cost proportionally more. Large 5-litre containers of Paraquat are priced at R2,899.
Brand and Formulation: Established brands and specialised formulations command premium prices. Professional-grade agricultural products are priced higher than consumer garden products.
Retailer and Distribution: Prices vary between online retailers, agricultural co-ops, and garden centres. Agricultural-grade products from specialty suppliers may have different pricing structures than consumer garden products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cheapest herbicide in South Africa?
A: The cheapest herbicide currently available is the Makhro Glyphosate 360 SL on sale at R109 for 1 litre. This is a glyphosate-based, non-selective herbicide suitable for general weed control on paving and pathways.
Q: What is the difference between selective and non-selective herbicides?
A: Selective herbicides (like MCPA and Atrazine) target specific weed types while leaving desired plants (like lawn grass or maize) unharmed. Non-selective herbicides (like Glyphosate) kill or damage most vegetation they contact.
Q: Why do atrazine products vary so much in price?
A: Atrazine product prices vary based on concentration (higher concentration = higher price), container size, and whether they are formulated for specific crops. Professional-grade products for large-scale farming cost more than entry-level options.
Q: Can I use agricultural herbicides in my home garden?
A: Many agricultural herbicides can be used in home gardens if applied according to label instructions, but always check the product label for specific application rates and safety precautions. Some products may require protective equipment.
Q: Are there ready-to-use herbicide options for home gardeners?
A: Yes. The search results reference “ready to use” products like Servian and Springbok weed killers, which offer convenient application options for home gardeners without the need for mixing or dilution.
Q: What is the current price trend for herbicides in South Africa?
A: Prices vary between retailers. The same Glyphosate product ranges from R109 on sale to R255 at other suppliers, so comparison shopping is recommended. Agricultural-grade products from specialist suppliers like Syringe.co.za maintain consistent pricing across their range.
Summary
Herbicide prices in South Africa range from approximately R109 for small consumer glyphosate products on sale to over R2,800 for large agricultural-grade containers. For home garden use, the Makhro Glyphosate 360 SL at R109 offers an affordable non-selective option for pathways and paving. For lawn care, the Efekto Banweed MCPA 6-pack at R1,014 provides selective broadleaf weed control. For agricultural applications, atrazine-based products range from R389 to R1,497 depending on concentration and formulation.
Specialised agricultural herbicides like Optill, Lontrel, and Mamba are priced consistently at R1,029 for professional farming applications. For heavy-duty weed control, Paraquat is available at R2,899 for 5 litres.
Always compare prices across retailers, factor in delivery costs, and choose the product appropriate for your specific weed control needs. Always read and follow label instructions for safe and effective application.
Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change based on retailer policies, market conditions, and availability. All prices exclude VAT unless otherwise stated. Always verify current pricing directly with the supplier before purchasing.