Syngenta Rifit Herbicide (Pretilachlor): The Ultimate Pre-Emergence Weed Solution for Rice
Stop weeds before they start. Rifit offers complete protection for your paddy field during the most critical days of crop establishment.
Rice farming faces a tough challenge: weeds that compete for sunlight and nutrition. Syngenta Rifit is a specialized systemic herbicide designed to control grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds. [Image of herbicide application in paddy field] By creating a chemical barrier on the soil surface, it ensures your rice gets 100% of the fertilizer and care you provide, without competition.
Available Variants: Rifit 50 EC (Classic), Rifit Plus (Safer EW Formulation), and Rifit Xtra (Broad Spectrum).
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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The "Golden Window" Protection: Applied within 0-5 days of transplanting, it eliminates weeds at the germination stage, preventing yield loss when the crop is most vulnerable.
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Advanced Safety with Safener: Contains "Fenclorim," a unique safener that acts like a vaccine for rice, allowing the herbicide to kill weeds while keeping your crop safe and green.
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Long-Lasting Control: Offers a residual effect that keeps the field weed-free for 30 to 45 days, covering the entire critical period of crop growth.
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Weather & Water Flexible: Works effectively in standing water. Newer formulations like Rifit Xtra use "Splash Technology" for easy application even without spraying equipment.
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No "Yellowing" Effect: The Rifit Plus (EW) formulation is solvent-reduced, preventing the "crop stunt" or yellowing often seen with older chemicals, leading to faster greening.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Syngenta Rifit (Portfolio: 50 EC, Plus, Xtra) |
| Technical Name | Pretilachlor (Safened with Fenclorim) |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 15 (VLCFA Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chloroacetanilide |
| Formulation | EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate), EW (Emulsion in Water), OD (Oil Dispersion) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Slightly Hazardous) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Rifit works by inhibiting cell division in young weeds. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Absorption: The herbicide creates a treated layer in the water/soil. As weed seeds germinate, their emerging shoots (coleoptiles) absorb the chemical.
- Growth Stop: It blocks the production of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFAs). Without these, the weeds cannot build cell membranes or waxes, stopping their growth instantly.
- Selective Safety: The Fenclorim safener is absorbed by the rice plant. It triggers the rice to produce enzymes that detoxify the herbicide rapidly, leaving the crop unharmed while weeds die.
Result: Weeds fail to emerge or die shortly after turning green, while rice continues to grow vigorously.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice | Grasses: Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa), Jungle Rice, Sprangletop. |
| Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) | Sedges: Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus difformis), Rice Flatsedge. |
| Wetland Rice | Broadleaves: Water Primrose (Ludwigia), Pondweed (Monochoria). |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Method | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifit 50 EC (Transplanted) | 500 ml | N/A (Sand Mix) or 120L (Spray) | Sand Mix or Spray | 90 - 110* |
| Rifit Plus 37 EW | 600 ml | N/A | Sand/Fertilizer Broadcast | 90 - 110* |
| Rifit Xtra | 500 ml | N/A (Direct Application) | Splash / Shaker Bottle | 90 - 110* |
*PHI: Applied at planting; no residue remains at harvest (120 days). Safe for rotation crops.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply within 0 to 5 days after transplanting. For Rifit Xtra, apply within 0-3 days. The earlier, the better.
- Mixing: For 50 EC and Plus: Mix the dose with 10-20kg of sand or fertilizer (Urea/DAP) and broadcast uniformly. For Xtra: Use the "Splash" method directly from the bottle.
- Coverage: Maintain standing water (2–5 cm depth) in the field for 2–3 days after application. This helps the chemical spread across the entire field.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not drain water into fish ponds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will Rifit kill weeds that have already grown?
No. Rifit is a pre-emergence herbicide. It works best on weed seeds before they sprout or when they are just starting to germinate (white thread stage).
2. Is it safe for my rice crop?
Yes. It contains a "Safener" called Fenclorim which protects the rice. However, avoid applying in deep water that submerges the rice seedling completely, and do not apply if the crop is under cold stress.
3. Can I mix Rifit with fertilizer?
Yes. A common method (Sand Mix) involves mixing Rifit with Urea or dry sand for easy broadcasting.
4. Which variant is best for difficult broadleaf weeds?
Rifit Xtra is the best choice for broad-spectrum control as it contains a second active ingredient (Bensulfuron) specifically for sedges and broadleaves.
5. What is the difference between Rifit 50 EC and Rifit Plus?
Rifit Plus (EW) is a water-based formulation that is safer for the crop and spreads better, leading to a "greening effect" without the temporary stunning sometimes caused by the solvents in the 50 EC version.
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application.
