Paraforce Herbicide (Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL)
The fast-acting "Burn-Down" contact herbicide for immediate weed control in Tea, Coffee, and Field Crops.
Paraforce (by Nichino India) is a non-selective, contact herbicide containing 24% Paraquat Dichloride. It is designed for situations where you need rapid results. Unlike systemic weed killers that take weeks, Paraforce acts within hours to control tough weeds and grasses. It is unique because it becomes biologically inactive immediately upon contact with soil, making it safe for sowing your next crop almost instantly.
Note: This is a Red Label (Highly Toxic) product. Strict safety precautions and PPE are mandatory during use.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Lightning Fast Action: See visible weed injury within 2 to 4 hours. Complete drying (necrosis) happens within 24 to 48 hours.
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Soil Safety: The chemical is rapidly inactivated when it touches soil particles, ensuring no harm to the roots of your main crop or future seedlings.
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Superior Rainfastness: It absorbs into the leaf within 15 to 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice during the monsoon season.
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Versatile Usage: Ideal for "Chemical Mowing" in fruit orchards and keeping estate paths clear in tea/coffee plantations without soil disturbance.
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Cost-Effective: A highly economical alternative to manual weeding (approx. ₹800/acre vs ₹3000+/acre for labor), solving labor shortage issues.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Paraforce |
| Technical Name | Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 22 (PSI Electron Diverter) |
| Chemical Group | Bipyridylium |
| Formulation | Soluble Liquid (Dark Blue) with Stench Agent |
| Toxicity Label | Red Triangle (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Paraforce acts as a Photosystem I (PSI) Electron Diverter. It turns the plant's own energy production against it.
- Absorption: The active ingredient penetrates the green leaf cuticle within minutes.
- Disruption: Inside the chloroplasts, it captures electrons during photosynthesis and generates Reactive Oxygen Species (Superoxide Radicals).
- Cell Lysis: These radicals attack cell membranes, causing them to burst and the cell fluid to leak out. This results in rapid drying (desiccation) of the plant tissue.
Note: This is a "Hit and Run" action. It kills only the green tissue it touches and does not move to the roots.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Plantations (Tea, Coffee, Rubber) | Cogon grass, Dayflower, Setaria sp., Borreria |
| Field Crops (Cotton, Rice, Maize) | Barnyard grass, Nutgrass, Chenopodium, Digera |
| Fruit Orchards (Grapes, Apple) | Bindweed, Portulaca, Tridax (Broadleaf & Grasses) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Use approximately 200-250 Liters of water per acre for thorough coverage.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea & Coffee | 400 - 1200 ml | 200 - 250 L | 2 - 6 ml | Check Label |
| Cotton & Rice (Pre-plant) | 400 - 850 ml | 200 L | 2 - 4.5 ml | -- |
| Grapes & Apple | 800 - 1000 ml | 200 L | 4 - 5 ml | Check Label |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. Always consult the attached leaflet for crop-specific PHI.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply when weeds are actively growing (2-4 leaf stage) for best results. Avoid spraying in extremely windy conditions to prevent drift.
- Mixing: Use clean water. The general dilution ratio is roughly 6.6 ml per Liter of water.
- Coverage: Paraforce is not systemic. It only kills what it touches. Ensure thorough wetting of the weed foliage.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Use a Hood/Shield nozzle when spraying between rows of standing crops to protect the main crop from drift.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Paraforce kill the roots of the weeds?
No. Paraforce is a contact herbicide. It rapidly kills the top green growth (foliage) but does not translocate to the roots. It acts like a "Chemical Mower."
2. Can I plant my crop immediately after spraying?
Yes. Paraforce becomes biologically inactive the moment it touches the soil. It will not harm seeds or seedlings planted after application.
3. What if it rains after I spray?
Paraforce is rainfast within 15 to 30 minutes. Once dried on the leaf, rain will not wash away its effectiveness.
4. Why is the liquid blue and smelly?
This is a safety feature. A blue dye is added to distinguish it from beverages (like cola or coffee), and a stench agent (strong smell) is added to prevent accidental ingestion.
5. Is there an antidote for Paraforce?
No specific antidote exists. Immediate medical attention within the "Golden Hour" (first hour) is critical. Never transfer the liquid to food/water bottles.
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. Danger: This product is fatal if swallowed. Keep away from children and livestock.
