Pendimethalin 38.7% CS: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Use, Benefits, and Applications in Indian Agriculture

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS (Capsule Suspension) is a highly effective, selective pre-emergent herbicide widely used in Indian agriculture to manage weeds in a variety of crops. Belonging to the dinitroaniline class of herbicides, it is renowned for its ability to control a broad spectrum of annual grasses, sedges, and certain broadleaf weeds, ensuring healthier crop growth and higher yields. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Pendimethalin 38.7% CS, covering its composition, mode of action, uses, benefits, advantages, target crops, dosage, efficiency, and top products available in India.

What is Pendimethalin 38.7% CS?

Pendimethalin is a dinitroaniline herbicide with the chemical name N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine. The 38.7% CS formulation refers to a capsule suspension, an advanced delivery system where the active ingredient is encapsulated in microscopic polymer capsules. This ensures controlled release, enhanced stability, and reduced volatility compared to traditional emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations like Pendimethalin 30% EC. The CS formulation minimizes evaporation risks, even in high temperatures, and allows for a longer window between application and irrigation, making it highly effective and farmer-friendly.

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS is primarily a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it is applied to the soil before weed seeds germinate or crops emerge. It can also be used in early post-emergent applications in some cases, targeting weeds at their earliest growth stages. By forming a thin chemical barrier on the soil surface, it prevents weed seed germination, thereby reducing competition for nutrients, water, and light, which are critical for crop growth.

Mode of Action

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS works by inhibiting cell division and elongation in the roots and shoots of susceptible weeds. It specifically disrupts microtubule assembly, a critical process for cell division, which prevents weed seedlings from developing properly. The herbicide is absorbed through the roots and shoots of germinating weeds, causing them to die shortly after germination or emergence from the soil. This selective action ensures that crops remain unaffected while weeds are controlled, provided the herbicide is applied as per recommendations.

The Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) classifies Pendimethalin as a Group K1 herbicide (Group 3 in some classifications), indicating its mode of action as a microtubule assembly inhibitor. This makes it effective against a wide range of weeds without promoting cross-resistance with other herbicide classes, allowing it to be used in combination with other herbicides for integrated weed management.

Uses of Pendimethalin 38.7% CS

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS is used primarily as a pre-emergent and pre-plant incorporation herbicide to control weeds in agricultural fields. It is applied to the soil surface before sowing or transplanting crops, forming a protective barrier that prevents weed germination. In some cases, it can be used early post-emergence to target weeds at their seedling stage. The herbicide is effective in both dry and moist soil conditions, provided sufficient soil moisture is present at the time of application to activate the chemical.

The herbicide targets a wide range of annual grasses, sedges, and certain broadleaf weeds that compete with crops for resources. Common target weeds include:

• Annual Grasses: Echinochloa colonum (jungle rice), Digitaria sanguinalis (crabgrass), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (crowfoot grass).
• Broadleaf Weeds: Amaranthus viridis (pigweed), Euphorbia geniculata (wild poinsettia), Commelina spp. (dayflower).
• Sedges: Certain annual sedges that affect crop growth.

Pendimethalin is registered globally for use in a variety of crops, including cereals, legumes, vegetables, and spices, making it a versatile tool for weed management in diverse agricultural systems.

Benefits of Pendimethalin 38.7% CS

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS offers numerous benefits that make it a preferred choice for farmers in India:

1. Broad-Spectrum Weed Control: It effectively controls a wide range of annual grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds, reducing the need for multiple herbicide applications.
2. Long-Lasting Residual Activity: The CS formulation provides extended weed control, preventing weed regrowth for weeks to months, depending on soil conditions and application timing.
3. Enhanced Crop Yields: By eliminating weed competition early in the crop cycle, it ensures better nutrient and water uptake, leading to healthier plants and higher yields.
4. Low Volatility: The encapsulated formulation reduces evaporation, allowing for flexible application timing, even in warm conditions.
5. Water Conservation: By controlling weeds, it minimizes water competition, enabling crops to utilize available moisture more effectively.
6. Improved Crop Quality: Weed-free fields result in better crop quality, as plants face less stress from resource competition.
7. Environmentally Friendly: The CS formulation reduces environmental impact by minimizing chemical runoff and leaching compared to EC formulations.
8. Ease of Application: The herbicide mixes easily with water and can be applied uniformly using standard spraying equipment, making it user-friendly.

Advantages of Pendimethalin 38.7% CS

The capsule suspension formulation of Pendimethalin 38.7% CS offers several advantages over traditional herbicide formulations:

• Advanced Technology: The encapsulated particles ensure controlled release of the active ingredient, improving efficacy and reducing losses due to evaporation or degradation.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: The CS formulation is less prone to leaching, minimizing the risk of groundwater contamination.
• Flexible Application Window: Unlike some pre-emergent herbicides, Pendimethalin 38.7% CS can be applied in dry conditions without significant loss of efficacy, provided irrigation or rainfall follows to activate the herbicide.
• Crop Safety: When applied as directed, it is safe for a wide range of crops and does not leave harmful residues that affect subsequent crops.
• Resistance Management: Pendimethalin’s unique mode of action makes it a valuable tool for rotating with other herbicides to prevent weed resistance development.

Crops Used Against

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS is recommended for use in a variety of crops in India, particularly those susceptible to weed competition. Major crops include:

• Soybean: Controls weeds like Echinochloa colonum, Digitaria sanguinalis, and Amaranthus viridis, ensuring healthy pod development.
• Cotton: Protects against annual grasses and broadleaf weeds, promoting better boll formation.
• Chilli: Prevents weed competition in spice crops, improving fruit quality and yield.
• Onion: Ensures weed-free fields for bulb development, targeting weeds like Commelina spp. and Euphorbia geniculata.
• Groundnut: Controls weeds during the early growth stages, enhancing pod yield.
• Mustard: Protects against grassy and broadleaf weeds, improving oilseed production.
• Cumin: Ensures weed-free conditions for this high-value spice crop.
• Wheat, Corn, Potatoes, Cabbage, Peas, Carrots, and Asparagus: Used globally and in India for these crops to manage weed pressure effectively.

The herbicide is applied before weed emergence, typically within 0-4 days of sowing or transplanting, to maximize its pre-emergent efficacy.

Dosage and Application

The recommended dosage of Pendimethalin 38.7% CS varies depending on the crop, soil type, and weed pressure. The general dosage in India is:

• Dose per Acre: 600-700 ml per acre, mixed with 150-200 liters of water for uniform application.
• Application Timing: Apply as a pre-emergent herbicide within 0-4 days of sowing or transplanting. For pre-plant incorporation, it can be mixed into the soil before sowing.
• Method of Application: Use a knapsack sprayer or other standard spraying equipment for uniform coverage. Ensure sufficient soil moisture (through irrigation or rainfall) post-application to activate the herbicide.
• Precautions:
• Apply before weed germination, as Pendimethalin does not control established weeds.
• Avoid application on waterlogged soils to prevent crop injury.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing during handling and application.
• Water the treated area with at least 1/2 inch of water post-application to ensure activation.

Always follow the product label instructions and local agricultural guidelines for precise dosage and application timing.

Efficiency of Pendimethalin 38.7% CS

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS is highly efficient due to its selective action, long residual activity, and advanced CS formulation. Key efficiency factors include:

• Targeted Weed Control: It effectively prevents the germination of a wide range of weeds, reducing competition during the critical early growth stages of crops.
• Long Residual Control: The herbicide remains active in the soil for an extended period, controlling weeds that emerge later in the season.
• Minimal Crop Injury: When applied correctly, it is safe for target crops, with no adverse effects on growth or yield.
• Reduced Application Frequency: Its long-lasting action reduces the need for multiple herbicide applications, saving time and costs for farmers.
• Compatibility: Can be co-applied with other herbicides of different modes of action to enhance weed control and manage resistance.

Studies have shown Pendimethalin to be particularly effective against blackgrass and other annual grasses, though it is less effective against certain weeds like Johnsongrass compared to other dinitroaniline herbicides like trifluralin.

Top Products in India

Several trusted brands in India offer Pendimethalin 38.7% CS, each formulated to meet the needs of Indian farmers. Some of the top products include:

1. UPL Dost Super (Pendimethalin 38.7% CS):

• Features: A leading pre-emergent herbicide for soybean, cotton, chilli, and onion. Offers long-lasting residual control and low volatility.
• Benefits: Enhances crop yields by maintaining weed-free fields and supports healthier plant growth.
• Availability: Available in 350 ml, 700 ml, and 3.5 L packs.
• Price: Approximately ₹420-₹650 per liter, depending on the region and supplier.

1. BASF Stomp Xtra (Pendimethalin 38.7% CS):

• Features: A broad-spectrum herbicide for soybean, cotton, chilli, onion, groundnut, mustard, and cumin. Controls susceptible annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.
• Benefits: Advanced CS formulation ensures uniform application and reduced environmental impact.
• Availability: Available in various pack sizes.
• Price: Approximately ₹694.92 per liter (inclusive of taxes).

1. HPM Gadar Max (Pendimethalin 38.7% CS):

• Features: Uses advanced capsule technology for soybean, cotton, and chilli. Controls weeds like Echinochloa colonum and Amaranthus viridis.
• Benefits: No residual effect on subsequent crops, safe for soil and crops.
• Availability: Available in 350 ml, 700 ml, and 1 L packs.
• Price: Approximately ₹410-₹450 per liter.

1. Parijat Napoleon Xtra (Pendimethalin 38.7% CS):

• Features: Designed for soybean, cotton, chilli, and onion. Inhibits weed growth by disrupting cell division.
• Benefits: Advanced micro-capsule formulation allows application in dry conditions without evaporation risks.
• Availability: Available in 350 ml, 700 ml, and 3.5 L packs.
• Price: Varies by region, typically ₹400-₹600 per liter.

1. Penda Super (Pendimethalin 38.7% CS):

• Features: A pre-emergent herbicide for multiple crops, offering prolonged weed control.
• Benefits: Reduces environmental impact due to its encapsulated formulation.
• Availability: Available through online platforms like FarmMate.in.
• Price: Approximately ₹420 per liter.

These products are available through online platforms like BharatAgri, AgriBegri, BigHaat, and IndiaMart, as well as local agricultural input suppliers. Prices may vary based on location, pack size, and distributor.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS is considered safe for mammals, with an oral LD50 of 1050-1620 mg/kg for rats and mice and over 5000 mg/kg for dogs and rabbits. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is unlikely to cause significant hepatotoxicity. However, it can cause minimal irritation to the eyes and skin, so proper PPE is recommended during handling.

Environmental concerns include its potential to stain surfaces (e.g., driveways) due to its orange-yellow color and its impact on non-target species like aquatic organisms. Farmers should avoid applying it near water bodies and ensure proper application timing to minimize runoff. The CS formulation reduces leaching risks compared to EC formulations, but good soil moisture is essential for activation. Limited monitoring data suggest that Pendimethalin residues in groundwater and surface water are low, posing minimal risk to human health.

Weed resistance to Pendimethalin has been reported in some cases, such as in Lolium rigidum (ryegrass), due to increased cytochrome P450 activity. To manage resistance, farmers should rotate Pendimethalin with herbicides of different modes of action.

Conclusion

Pendimethalin 38.7 7% CS is a powerful and versatile herbicide that plays a critical role in weed management in Indian agriculture. Its advanced capsule suspension formulation, broad-spectrum weed control, and long-lasting residual activity make it an essential tool for farmers growing crops like soybean, cotton, chilli, onion, and more. By reducing weed competition, it enhances crop yields, improves quality, and conserves resources like water and nutrients. Top products like UPL Dost Super, BASF Stomp Xtra, and HPM Gadar Max are widely available in India, offering farmers reliable options for effective weed control.

To maximize its benefits, farmers should adhere to recommended dosages (600-700 ml/acre), apply it at the right time (pre-emergence or early post-emergence), and ensure adequate soil moisture. By integrating Pendimethalin 38.7% CS into a comprehensive weed management strategy, farmers can achieve healthier, weed-free fields and sustainable agricultural productivity. Always consult local agricultural experts and product labels for specific guidelines tailored to your region and crop.