Benpret Herbicide (HPM) – Complete Weed Control for Rice (Paddy)
The "Ready Mix" Granular Solution for Grasses, Sedges, and Broadleaf Weeds.
Benpret by HPM Chemicals is a powerful pre-emergence herbicide designed specifically for transplanted rice. It combines two advanced active ingredients—Pretilachlor (6.0%) and Bensulfuron Methyl (0.6%)—in a convenient granule form.
Why struggle with manual weeding? Benpret offers a cost-effective alternative, potentially reducing weed control costs by over 90% compared to manual labor (saving approx. ₹6,000/hectare). It stops weeds before they emerge, ensuring your paddy crop gets all the nutrition it needs without competition.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Massive Labor Savings: Replaces the need for 15-20 manual labor days per hectare, making it highly economical.
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Dual-Action Shield: Controls tough grasses (like Barnyard grass), sedges, and broadleaf weeds simultaneously.
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Early Protection: Applied within 0 to 5 days of transplanting, it kills weeds at the germination stage.
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Water Compatible: Formulated as granules that sink and dissolve easily in standing paddy water.
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Crop Safe: Highly selective to rice plants; it destroys weeds without harming your crop when used as directed.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Benpret (HPM) |
| Technical Name | Pretilachlor 6.0% + Bensulfuron Methyl 0.6% GR |
| IRAC MoA Code | K3 (Cell Division) + B (ALS Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chloroacetamide + Sulfonylurea |
| Formulation | GR (Granules) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Slightly Hazardous) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Benpret uses a "double-engine" approach to ensure no weed escapes.
- Stops Cell Division (Pretilachlor): This component is absorbed by the shoots of emerging grasses. It blocks the production of fatty acids (VLCFA), effectively stopping the weed from growing.
- Blocks Amino Acids (Bensulfuron): This systemic component moves through the weed's roots and leaves. It inhibits the ALS enzyme, starving the weed of essential proteins.
- Total Elimination: Weeds stop growing immediately. Signs of yellowing appear quickly, followed by complete death of the weed within 1-2 weeks.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Sedges (Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Broadleaf Weeds (Eclipta alba, Ludwigia parviflora) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Benpret is a granule, so no spraying is required.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (kg / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
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| Rice (Transplanted) | 4 kg | Maintain Standing Water | N/A (Granules) | 88 |
| Rice (Nursery) | Consult Local Agronomist | Maintain Standing Water | N/A | 88 |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply strictly between 0 to 5 days after transplanting. Delaying application allows weeds to grow too strong for the chemical.
- Mixing: Mix the 4 kg bag of Benpret with 6–10 kg of sand. This increases the volume and helps you spread it evenly across the acre.
- Coverage: Broadcast (throw) the mixture by hand uniformly into the field. Ensure there is 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) of standing water in the field.
- Retention: Do not drain the water for 2–3 days after application. This allows the granules to dissolve and form a protective layer on the soil.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Do not use in fields with fish culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Benpret and Manual Weeding?
Benpret is a chemical solution that prevents weeds from growing, costing approx. ₹625/hectare. Manual weeding is labor-intensive, done after weeds appear, and can cost ₹6,000–₹8,000/hectare. Benpret is 90% cheaper.
2. Can I use Benpret in a field with fish?
No. Pretilachlor is toxic to freshwater fish (like Rohu and Carp). Do not use Benpret if you are practicing pisciculture (fish farming) in your paddy field.
3. What if I apply it after 10 days?
It will be less effective. Benpret is a "Pre-Emergence" herbicide. Once weeds have developed 2-3 leaves (usually after 5-7 days), they become resistant to the chemical. Always apply within 0-5 days.
4. Do I need a spray pump?
No. Benpret is a Granule (GR). You simply mix it with sand or fertilizer and broadcast (throw) it by hand into the standing water.
5. Is Benpret the same as Benpres or Benidipine?
No. "Benpres" is a Philippine holding company, and "Benidipine" is a heart medicine. Benpret is strictly an agricultural herbicide made by HPM Chemicals.
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. Toxic to aquatic life; do not contaminate water bodies.
