Milquat Herbicide (Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL)
The fast-acting "Chemical Hoe" for total weed control in plantations, field crops, and zero-tillage farming.
Milquat (by Insecticides India Ltd) is a powerful non-selective, contact herbicide. It acts instantly to burn down green weeds and vegetation. It is widely used in Tea, Coffee, and Cotton for inter-row weeding and is a critical tool for preparing fields in Conservation Agriculture (Zero Tillage).
Note: This is a Restricted Use Pesticide. It is highly effective but requires strict safety precautions during handling.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Lightning Fast Action: Visible drying and browning of weeds start within 24 to 48 hours of spraying.
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Soil Safe (Instant Inactivation): Milquat becomes biologically inactive immediately upon touching the soil. You can sow your next crop right after application without risk.
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Cost & Labor Saver: Replaces 5-8 manual laborers per acre. It is the most economical solution for large-scale weed clearance.
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Superior Rainfastness: Rapidly absorbed by leaves. It remains effective even if it rains just 15-30 minutes after spraying.
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Crop Safety (Non-Systemic): It only kills green tissue it touches. It does not travel to the roots or damage brown bark, making it safe for orchards and plantations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Milquat |
| Technical Name | Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 22 (PSI Electron Diverter) |
| Chemical Group | Bipyridylium |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (SL) |
| Toxicity Label | Moderately Hazardous (Handle with Care) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Milquat is a unique "Photosynthesis Hijacker." It requires sunlight to work effectively.
- Absorption: The liquid penetrates the leaf cuticle within minutes of spraying.
- Hijack: Inside the plant cell (chloroplast), it steals energy from sunlight (electrons) meant for plant growth.
- Destruction: This energy is converted into "superoxide radicals" which burst the cell membranes. The plant cells leak, dry out, and die.
Because it destroys the cell membranes so quickly, the chemical cannot move to other parts of the plant or roots.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) / Use Case |
|---|---|
| Tea & Coffee | Imperata, Commelina, Setaria, Paspalum (Inter-row weeding) |
| Cotton | Inter-row weeds & Harvest Aid (Defoliant) |
| Rice, Wheat, Maize | Pre-plant burndown for Zero Tillage (Stale seedbed) |
| Potato | Haulm Destruction (Vine killing before harvest) |
| Aquatic Areas | Water Hyacinth, Salvinia (Non-potable water only) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Use clean water.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea / Coffee | 500 - 1200 ml | 200 L | 2.5 - 6 ml | 7-15 |
| Cotton / Potato | 600 - 1000 ml | 200 L | 3 - 5 ml | 7 |
| Rice / Wheat (Pre-Sowing) | 800 - 1000 ml | 200 L | 4 - 5 ml | N/A |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply on young, actively growing weeds (2-4 leaf stage). Spray on a bright sunny day for faster results.
- Mixing: Use clean water. Do not mix with alkaline pesticides (like Bordeaux mixture) as they reduce efficacy.
- Coverage: Use Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzles. Ensure full coverage of the weed foliage. Do not use mist blowers to avoid inhaling fine droplets.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles, boots). Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Milquat kill the roots of the weeds?
No. Milquat is a contact herbicide. It kills the green parts it touches but does not move down to the roots. Perennial weeds may regrow.
2. Is it safe to sow seeds immediately after spraying?
Yes. Milquat gets deactivated instantly upon contact with soil particles. It leaves no harmful residue for the next crop.
3. What if it rains after spraying?
Milquat is rainfast within 15-30 minutes. If it rains after this short window, the efficacy remains high.
4. Can I use this on vegetables?
Strictly NO for spraying over the crop. It will kill any vegetable it touches. Use only with a protective hood between rows if necessary, and avoid drift.
5. Is there an antidote for Milquat?
No, there is no specific antidote. Prevention is the only cure. Never decant into beverage bottles and keep away from children. In case of ingestion, induce vomiting immediately and rush to a hospital.
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. Keep out of reach of children.
