Prince Nursery Herbicide (Pretilachlor 30.7% EC) – The Safest Start for Rice
Give your paddy nursery and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) the ultimate protection against grassy weeds without harming young seedlings.
Prince Nursery (also known as Prince-N or Princensry) is a specialized pre-emergence herbicide designed specifically for the delicate stages of rice growth. Unlike standard weed killers, it contains a unique "Safety Shield" called Fenclorim. This safener allows the herbicide to kill stubborn weeds like Barnyard grass instantly, while helping your rice seedlings metabolize the chemical safely. It is the number one choice for farmers moving to modern DSR farming or managing sensitive nursery beds.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
-
⏱️
Perfect Timing: Apply immediately (0-3 days) after sowing to stop weeds before they even start growing.
-
🛡️
Built-in Safety Shield: Contains the safener 'Fenclorim' which protects baby rice plants from shock or damage.
-
⏳
Long-Lasting Control: Provides a weed-free environment for 30 to 40 days, covering the most critical growth period.
-
🌧️
Works in Wet Soil: Specially formulated to activate in soil moisture or standing water, making it ideal for paddy fields.
-
🌿
DSR & Nursery Specialist: Specifically engineered for Direct Seeded Rice and Nursery beds where stronger herbicides might fail or burn the crop.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Prince Nursery / Prince-N / Princensry |
| Technical Name | Pretilachlor 30.7% EC (with Fenclorim Safener) |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group K3 (VLCFA Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chloroacetamide |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Moderately Hazardous (Blue/Yellow Triangle) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
- Cell Division Blocker: The active ingredient, Pretilachlor, stops the production of fatty acids needed for cell growth. This halts cell division in weed seeds.
- The Soil Barrier: When applied to wet soil, it forms a chemical film. Weeds absorbing this through their shoots (coleoptiles) die before they can emerge from the ground.
- Selective Safety: The added safener, Fenclorim, acts as an antidote. It triggers the rice plant to rapidly detoxify the herbicide, ensuring the crop stays healthy while the weeds perish.
This "differential metabolism" ensures only the targeted weeds are destroyed.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Rice Nursery | Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), Jungle Rice |
| Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) | Sedges (Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria) |
| Transplanted Rice | Broadleaf weeds (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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Nursery | 700 ml (approx) | 200 L | 3.5 ml/L | 90-110 |
| Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) | 600 - 800 ml | 200 L | 3 - 4 ml/L | 90-110 |
| Transplanted Rice | 400 - 600 ml | 150 - 200 L | 2.5 - 3 ml/L | 90-110 |
*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 after sowing (for DSR/Nursery) or within 0 to 5 days after transplanting. The soil must be moist.
- Mixing: You can mix the required dose with 20-25 kg of sand/fertilizer and broadcast it, or mix with water and spray using a Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzle.
- Coverage: Maintain a thin film of standing water (1-2 cm) for the first 5-7 days to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Do not submerge the rice seedlings completely.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Prince (50%) and Prince Nursery (30.7%)?
Prince 50% is stronger and used for older, transplanted rice. Prince Nursery (30.7%) is milder and contains a special "Safener" (Fenclorim), making it safe for delicate nurseries and germinating seeds in DSR.
2. Can I apply this if the field is dry?
No. Pretilachlor requires moisture to work. The field should be saturated or have a thin layer of standing water for the herbicide to spread and kill weeds effectively.
3. Is it safe for fish in paddy fields?
No. This product is toxic to fish. Do not use it in fields where you are practicing rice-fish farming, and avoid runoff into fish ponds.
4. What if I apply it after 5 days?
Efficacy drops significantly. Weeds that have already emerged and formed leaves (past the 2-leaf stage) are much harder to kill. Early application is key.
5. Does it control all weeds?
It is excellent for grasses (Barnyard grass) and sedges. For broad-spectrum control, it can be rotated or tank-mixed with other herbicides like Bensulfuron-methyl, as per expert advice.
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.
