2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC Herbicide Uses

2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC (containing 34% w/w 2,4-D acid) is a selective, systemic phenoxy-acetic acid (synthetic auxin) herbicide registered for use in India under the Insecticides Act, 1968, formulated as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC). It is registered for post-emergence control of broadleaf weeds and sedges in maize, sorghum, wheat and sugarcane, of barnyard grass in transplanted paddy, and of water hyacinth in water bodies. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the recommended dosage as per the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) official list of approved herbicide uses (Government of India).

Which Weeds Does This Control? (Field Identification Guide)

Not sure whether the weeds in your field match this herbicide's use case? This guide helps match weed identification to this herbicide's approved crop-wise uses.

Mode of Action

2,4-D is a synthetic auxin herbicide (HRAC Group 4, formerly Group O) of the phenoxy-carboxylic acid family. The ethyl ester form penetrates the waxy leaf surface quickly, is converted to 2,4-D acid inside the plant and moves through the plant's food stream to the actively growing points. There it mimics the natural plant growth hormone auxin, but — unlike the natural hormone — is not broken down, causing uncontrolled, disorganised cell division and growth. Susceptible broadleaf weeds and sedges show twisting and bending of stems and leaf stalks, cupped and curled leaves, and swollen, cracked stems within a few days, then yellow, wither and die over 1–3 weeks. Cereal crops such as wheat, maize, sorghum and rice are relatively tolerant at the recommended stage and dose, which is what makes it selective.

Features & Benefits

• Selective post-emergence control of major broadleaf weeds — such as bathua, horse purslane, chaulai, kulfa, hirankhuri and wild onion — and sedges in cereal and sugarcane crops.
• Systemic action moves to the growing points and roots, giving good control of the CIB-listed weeds, including deep-rooted field bindweed.
• Registered for several crops and for water hyacinth in water bodies, making it a versatile broadleaf herbicide.
• The ester (EC) form is quickly absorbed by the leaves.
• Group 4 (synthetic auxin) mode of action is a useful rotation partner with herbicides of other groups for resistance management.

Recommended Usage of 2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC Herbicide

The table below gives the recommended dose, water volume and waiting period per acre for each crop, converted from the CIB&RC-registered per-hectare rate — see the note below the table for conversion details. Always spray in the recommended water volume for uniform coverage, and confirm against the current product label before use.

Figures above are converted from the CIB&RC-registered per-hectare rates (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres): Maize — 0.9 kg a.i./ha, 2.65 L formulation/ha, 400–450 L water/ha, PHI 50–60 days; Sorghum — 1.0 kg a.i./ha, 2.94 L formulation/ha, 425 L water/ha, PHI not stated by CIB; Transplanted paddy — 0.85 kg a.i./ha, 2.5 L formulation/ha, 400 L water/ha, PHI not stated by CIB; Wheat — 0.45–0.75 kg a.i./ha, 1.32–2.2 L formulation/ha, 450–500 L water/ha, PHI not stated by CIB; Sugarcane — 1.2–1.8 kg a.i./ha, 3.53–5.29 L formulation/ha, 500 L water/ha, waiting period 300–330 days; Aquatic weeds — 2.5 kg a.i./ha, 7.5 L formulation/ha, 700–1000 L water/ha, PHI not stated by CIB. Where CIB does not specify a PHI, no figure has been assumed — always confirm the current product label before use.

How to Use

1. Confirm your crop matches this herbicide's approved use — maize, sorghum, transplanted paddy, wheat or sugarcane, or water hyacinth in water bodies — and identify the weeds present using the guide above.
2. Spray post-emergence, when the weeds are young and actively growing (generally at the 2–4 leaf stage) and at the crop stage given on the product label or advised by your local agricultural extension office; avoid spraying cereals at the flowering stage.
3. Measure the dose, add it to a partly filled spray tank and top up to the full volume with clean water while stirring to form a uniform emulsion.
4. Use a knapsack or power sprayer fitted with a flat-fan nozzle, spray uniformly over the weeds and avoid overlapping passes, which can injure the crop.
5. For water hyacinth, spray the floating mats thoroughly so the leaves are well covered.
6. Spray in calm weather with little or no wind, and avoid spraying if rain is expected within a few hours.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate PPE — mask/respirator, gloves, goggles and full-sleeved clothing — while mixing and spraying, and avoid inhaling the spray mist or vapour.
• 2,4-D ester is volatile and drifts easily; even small amounts can badly damage sensitive broadleaf crops such as cotton, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruit trees and grapes — do not spray near such crops or in windy or very hot weather.
• Use a separate sprayer for 2,4-D if possible, or wash the sprayer thoroughly several times before using it on other crops.
• Respect the 50–60-day waiting period (PHI) in maize and the 300–330-day waiting period in sugarcane; for the other crops CIB does not state a PHI — follow the current product label and local agricultural extension advice.
• Before treating water bodies, make sure the water will not be used for drinking, or for irrigating sensitive crops, until the product label allows, and avoid harming fish.
• 2,4-D belongs to herbicide Group 4; rotate with herbicides from a different group as part of an integrated weed-management program to slow resistance development.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food, feed, seeds and fertilisers, and out of reach of children and livestock.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after spraying, and change out of contaminated clothing before eating, drinking or smoking.

Brand names mentioned on this page are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are referenced here for identification purposes only; FarmMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. This page is for general information only — always consult your local agricultural extension office and confirm the current product label before use.