The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Oxyfluorfen
- Chemical class
- Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor, WSSA Group 14, as stated on the Oxyfluorfen 2EC label.[2][3]
- Mode of action
- WSSA Group 14: Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO/Protox) inhibitors[3][2]
- Signal words
- Goal 2XL Herbicide: Warning[1]
Oxyfluorfen 2EC (Oxystar 2EC): Warning[2]
Replanting after oxyfluorfen
Goal 2XL bars planting small grains within 10 months. Other unlabeled crops can't be direct-seeded for 60 days or transplanted for 30 days, and the soil should be mixed 4 inches deep first.[1]
Not for homes or greenhouses
These are agricultural labels. Goal 2XL must not drift onto people, occupied structures, parks or recreation areas, and it is not to be used in enclosed greenhouses because foliage injury will result.[1]
Where it is used
For preemergence control, spray clean, weed-free soil and leave it undisturbed. It needs at least ¼ inch of rain or irrigation within 3 to 4 weeks to activate.[1]
As a contact spray it works best on seedling weeds; past the 4-leaf or 4-inch stage you may only get suppression. Grass seedlings should be at the 2-leaf stage or smaller.[1]
It burns any green tissue it touches. Use coarse, low-pressure directed sprays with shields, and keep spray off leaves and green stems of trees and shrubs.[1]
Shake well before using, and store the product above 32 degrees F so it does not freeze.[1]
Products and registrations
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal 2XL Herbicide | Soil beneath established or newly transplanted field-grown deciduous trees (directed spray) | Annual broadleaf weeds and grasses, preemergence or as small seedlings | 2–6 pints product per acre[1] Single or split application, sprayed at the soil with shields to keep it off leaves and green bark. No more than 6 pints per acre per year. For spot work the label converts 2 pints per acre to 0.75 fl oz per 1,000 sq ft. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word WARNING. Goal 2XL causes skin irritation and moderate eye irritation and is harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin; the Albaugh label warns of substantial but temporary eye injury. Handlers need coveralls, chemical-resistant gloves, footwear and an apron.[1][2]
Pets
The skin, eye and swallowing hazards are listed for humans and domestic animals. Outside farm settings, keep others out until sprays have dried, and don't graze or harvest forage from treated areas.[1]
Bees and pollinators
Neither label carries a bee warning. The Albaugh label notes it is toxic to plants and may harm forage and habitat of pollinators next to the treated site.[2]
Fish and water
Toxic to aquatic invertebrates and wildlife. Goal 2XL requires a 25-foot vegetated buffer next to lakes, rivers, streams, marshes and ponds, and bars treating ditch banks or waterways.[1]
Common questions
- Is oxyfluorfen a pre-emergent or a post-emergent?
- Both. The Goal 2XL label covers preemergence residual control and postemergence control of seedling weeds.[1]
- What signal word does Goal 2XL carry?
- WARNING, mainly for skin and eye irritation and harm if swallowed or absorbed through the skin.[1]
- How long before people can go back into a treated field?
- The farm restricted-entry interval is 24 hours, or 48 hours for onions, garlic and horseradish.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Goal 2XL Herbicide label, EPA Reg. No. 92894-2 (EPA-stamped, Feb. 4, 2021).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/092894-00002-20210204.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Oxyfluorfen 2EC label, EPA Reg. No. 42750-136 (EPA-stamped, Jan. 23, 2025).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/042750-00136-20250123.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Weed Science Society of America, “Summary of Herbicide Mechanism of Action According to the Weed Science Society of America.” wssa.net/wp-content/uploads/WSSA-Mechanism-of-Action.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)