Clear Cut
Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL
Available Packing:
5ltr, 1ltr, 500ml
Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL:
Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, contact herbicide formulated as a Soluble Liquid (SL). It is widely known for its rapid "burn-down" effect, capable of destroying weed foliage within 24 to 48 hours of application. Unlike systemic herbicides, it kills only the green plant parts it comes into contact with. A key characteristic of this herbicide is that it becomes biologically inactive immediately upon contact with soil, meaning it has no residual soil activity. This makes it ideal for clearing weeds just before sowing or for inter-row weed control in standing crops.
Mode of Action:
Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL functions as a photosynthesis inhibitor (Photosystem I inhibitor).
Contact Action: It is absorbed rapidly by the foliage (green parts) of the plant. It does not translocate to the roots.
Cell Membrane Destruction: Inside the plant cell, it interferes with photosynthesis, producing superoxide radicals. These radicals rupture the cell membranes, leading to the leakage of cell contents and rapid desiccation (drying out).
Rapid Dessication: The treated weeds show visible browning and wilting within hours in bright sunlight, leading to complete foliage death within a couple of days.
Primary Uses and Target Crops:
Because it is non-selective, it kills all green vegetation. It is primarily used in plantation crops, orchards, and non-crop areas, or as a defoliant.
Key target areas include:
Plantations: Tea, Coffee, Rubber (for weed control between rows).
Orchards: Mango, Citrus, Grapes, Apple (using a protective hood to avoid spraying the tree trunks/foliage).
Field Crops: Maize, Sugarcane, Cotton (Inter-row application with a hood).
Defoliation: Used in Potato (to destroy haulms/leaves before harvest) and Cotton (to shed leaves for cleaner harvest).
Non-Crop Areas: Industrial sites, bunds, irrigation channels, railway tracks.
Zero Tillage: Used to clear weeds immediately before sowing a new crop.
Application and Dosage:
Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL is mixed with water and applied as a directed spray.
General Weed Control: Use 500 ml to 1 liter per acre (depending on weed density).
Potato (Haulm Destruction): Use 1 to 1.5 liters per acre spray 7–10 days before harvest.
Cotton (Defoliation): Use 600 to 800 ml per acre.
Tea/Coffee: Use 1 to 1.5 liters per acre.
Method: Mix 4 ml to 5 ml per liter of water. Use a flat fan nozzle and a protective hood on the spray lance to prevent the chemical from drifting onto the main crop.
Note: Use clean water only. Muddy water reduces the efficacy of Paraquat.
Target Weeds:
This herbicide is effective against a wide range of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.
Commonly controlled weeds include:
Grasses: Echinochloa spp., Digitaria spp., Setaria spp.
Broadleaf Weeds: Chenopodium album (Bathua), Amaranthus spp. (Chaulai), Parthenium hysterophorus, Trianthema monogyna, Portulaca oleracea.
Aquatic Weeds: Water Hyacinth, Salvinia.
Safety Precautions:
CRITICAL WARNING: Paraquat Dichloride is highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Strict safety adherence is mandatory.
Key safety recommendations include:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, boots, goggles, and a face mask. Avoid all skin contact.
Do Not Ingest: Swallowing even a small amount can be fatal. Never transfer the product into food or drink containers (like water bottles).
Avoid Drift: Do not spray on windy days to prevent drift onto desirable crops, as it will cause severe scorching.
Handling Practices: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Environmental Safety: Harmful to wildlife. Do not contaminate water sources.
Storage:
Store the product in its original container under lock and key, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Keep strictly out of reach of children, unauthorized persons, and animals. Keep away from direct sunlight, food, and animal feed.