Sokusai (Pretilachlor 50% EC): The Ultimate Pre-Emergence Herbicide for Rice
Stop weeds before they start. Sokusai is a premium broad-spectrum herbicide designed specifically for transplanted paddy fields.
Manual weeding is expensive and labor-intensive. Sokusai (Pretilachlor 50% EC) by IFFCO MC Crop Science offers a smart, chemical solution. By applying this product within the first few days of transplanting, you create a powerful barrier that stops grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds from ever emerging. It saves you money, protects your yield, and keeps your field clean during the most critical growth stage.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Early Action: Kills weeds at the moment of germination (0-3 days), preventing competition for nutrients.
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Broad Spectrum Control: Highly effective against tough grasses like Barnyard grass, sedges, and broadleaves.
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Cost Effective: Reduces weed management costs by up to 90% compared to manual labor.
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Water Activated: Works perfectly in standing water, using the water to spread evenly across the field.
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Crop Safety: Safe for rice seedlings when used as directed, thanks to specialized selective chemistry.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Sokusai |
| Technical Name | Pretilachlor 50% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 15 (K3) |
| Chemical Group | Chloroacetamide |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Sokusai works by inhibiting cell division. It stops the production of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFAs), which plants need to build cell membranes.
- Absorption: The herbicide is absorbed rapidly through the "coleoptile" (the first shoot) of the germinating weed.
- Disruption: It halts cell division, preventing the weed from growing.
- Elimination: The weed dies before it can emerge above the water or soil surface. Established rice plants are safe because their roots are deeper and they can metabolize the chemical.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa spp.) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Smallflower Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus difformis) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Broadleaves (Ludwigia, Eclipta alba) |
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) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice | 500 ml | N/A (Sand Mix) or 200L (Spray) | 2.5 ml | 75 - 90 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply within 0 to 3 days of transplanting. Do not apply after weeds have emerged (2-3 leaf stage).
- Mixing (Sand Method): Mix 500ml of Sokusai with 20-25 kg of dry sand or Urea. Broadcast uniformly over the standing water.
- Coverage: Maintain 2-3 inches of standing water in the field for 3-5 days after application. This water acts as a carrier to spread the chemical.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Sokusai on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)?
No. This formulation (50% EC) is recommended for transplanted rice only. It may cause injury to germinating rice seeds in DSR.
2. Can I drain the water immediately after application?
No. You must keep the water standing for at least 3-5 days. If the field dries up and cracks, the chemical barrier will break, and weeds will grow.
3. Is Sokusai compatible with Urea?
Yes, it is often mixed with Urea for broadcasting. However, apply the mixture immediately to avoid it becoming sticky or degrading.
4. Does it kill big weeds?
No. Sokusai is a pre-emergence herbicide. It only kills weeds as they are germinating. It will not kill established weeds with 2-3 leaves.
5. Is it safe for fish farming?
No. Pretilachlor is toxic to fish. Do not use in rice-fish farming systems and do not drain treated water into fish ponds.
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. There is no specific antidote for Pretilachlor; treat symptomatically.
