Pendimethalin 30% EC Herbicide Uses
Pendimethalin 30% EC is a CIB-registered pre-emergence, selective herbicide from the dinitroaniline chemical class, widely used in cereals, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and vegetable crops across India. This page lists its mode of action, key benefits and the complete crop-wise recommended dosage as per the approved label.
Mode of Action
Pendimethalin 30% EC belongs to the dinitroaniline class of herbicides. It is absorbed by the germinating shoots (coleoptile) and roots of emerging weed seedlings from the treated soil layer, where it inhibits microtubule assembly and disrupts cell division in root and shoot meristems. This stops root and shoot elongation, so susceptible weeds fail to emerge or die shortly after germination. As it has no significant activity on already-emerged weeds, it must be applied to the soil surface before weeds germinate, forming a thin herbicidal barrier at or near the soil surface.
Features & Benefits
- Broad-spectrum control of major grassy weeds (Echinochloa, Digitaria, Eleusine) and several broadleaf weeds (Amaranthus, Portulaca, Trianthema, Euphorbia) right from the germination stage.
- Applied before weeds emerge, so crops get a clean start with minimal early-season crop-weed competition for nutrients, moisture and light.
- Approved across a wide range of field crops, pulses and vegetables, making it a versatile pre-emergence option for mixed-cropping farms.
- Forms a stable herbicidal layer in the soil with residual weed control activity for several weeks after a single application, reducing the need for early hand-weeding.
Recommended Usage of Pendimethalin 30% EC Herbicide
The table below gives the recommended dose, water volume and application timing per acre for each crop and target weed, converted from the official CIB label rate expressed per hectare.
| Crop | Target Weeds | Dose per Acre | Water Volume per Acre | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Echinochloa spp., Euphorbia hirta, Amaranthus viridis, Portulaca oleracea, Trianthema spp., Eleusine indica | 1.0–1.7 L | 200–280 L | Pre-plant incorporation up to 7 days before sowing, or pre-emergence within 2 days of sowing |
| Soybean | Echinochloa spp., Euphorbia spp., Amaranthus viridis, Portulaca oleracea, Trianthema spp., Eleusine indica | 1.0–1.35 L | 200–280 L | Pre-emergence within 24 hours of sowing, or pre-plant incorporation in top 2–5 cm of soil |
| Wheat | Phalaris minor, Chenopodium album, Melilotus alba, Portulaca oleracea, Anagallis arvensis, Fumaria parviflora, Poa annua | 1.32 L (light soil), 1.65–1.68 L (medium soil), 2.0 L (heavy soil) | 200–280 L | Pre-emergence, immediately after sowing |
| Rice (transplanted & direct-sown upland) | Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Fimbristylis miliacea, Cyperus difformis, Alternanthera sessilis, Ammania baccifera, Eclipta alba, Ludwigia parviflora | 1.32–2.0 L | 200–280 L | Pre-emergence, 3–4 days after transplanting/sowing; maintain a thin film of standing water in transplanted rice |
| Pigeon Pea (Redgram/Tur) | Digitaria sanguinalis, Digera arvensis, Amaranthus spp., Trianthema spp., Euphorbia hirta, Cyperus spp., Eragrostis spp. | 1.0–1.33 L | 200 L | Pre-emergence, 0–2 days after sowing |
| Onion | Chenopodium album, Melilotus spp., Digitaria sanguinalis, Anagallis arvensis, Eleusine indica, Echinochloa spp., Portulaca oleracea | 1.0–1.33 L | 200–280 L | Pre-emergence, immediately after transplanting/sowing |
| Chillies | Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica | 1.0–1.7 L | 200–280 L | Pre-emergence, 0–4 days after transplanting |
| Groundnut | Echinochloa spp., Eleusine indica and associated broadleaf weeds | 1.0–2.0 L | 200–280 L | Pre-emergence, immediately after sowing on moist soil |
| Garlic | Echinochloa spp., Amaranthus spp., Portulaca oleracea and other associated weeds | 1.0–1.35 L | 200–280 L | Pre-emergence, 0–3 days after sowing/transplanting |
| Black Gram (Urad) (unverified - single source) | Echinochloa spp., Euphorbia spp., Amaranthus spp. | 1.0–1.5 L | 200–300 L | Pre-emergence, within 0–3 days of sowing |
| Green Gram (Moong) (unverified - single source) | Echinochloa spp., Euphorbia spp., Amaranthus spp. | 1.0–1.5 L | 200–300 L | Pre-emergence, within 0–3 days of sowing |
Doses above are converted from the official CIB label rate, which is expressed per hectare (1 ha ≈ 2.47 acres), and rounded for field use. Registered waiting periods (pre-harvest intervals) on the CIB label are approximately 150 days for cotton, 110 days for soybean, 133 days for pigeon pea, and 15 days for onion and chillies; wheat and rice do not carry a specified waiting period since the herbicide is applied at sowing/transplanting, well before harvest. Always confirm against the current product label/CIB registration before spraying, and follow your local agricultural extension advice.
How to Use
- Identify your crop and soil type from the table above and select the correct dose per acre — heavier soils generally need the higher end of the dose range.
- Mix the measured quantity of Pendimethalin 30% EC thoroughly with the recommended volume of clean water in a knapsack or power sprayer, agitating well before and during spraying.
- Apply as a uniform, overlap-free spray across the entire soil surface using a flat-fan nozzle, ensuring the field has adequate soil moisture at the time of application — dry soil reduces herbicidal activity.
- Time the spray to the crop's sowing or transplanting schedule as shown in the Application Timing column; being a pre-emergence herbicide, it must go down before weed seeds germinate, not after weeds are visible.
- Avoid spray drift onto neighbouring crops, nurseries, or water bodies, and do not apply during windy conditions or ahead of expected heavy rain that could wash the herbicide off-target.
Precautions & Safety
- Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, mask, full-sleeve clothing, and goggles) while handling, mixing and spraying the product.
- Check compatibility before tank-mixing with other agrochemicals, and avoid mixing with strongly alkaline products unless recommended on the label.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food, and children's reach, in the original, tightly closed container.
- Do not exceed the label-recommended dose per acre; excess application can injure the crop or leave harmful soil residues for the following crop in rotation.
- Wash hands, face and exposed skin thoroughly with soap after spraying, and wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.