Pariquat Herbicide (Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL) User Guide
Your complete guide to Pariquat, a powerful, fast-acting, non-selective contact herbicide from Parijat Industries.
Pariquat is a go-to solution for tough weed problems, providing rapid "burn down" control to clear fields quickly. It's especially valued in conservation and no-till farming because it is inactivated on contact with soil. This unique feature means it has no soil persistence, allowing you to plant your crops almost immediately after application without risking root damage.
WARNING: This product is highly toxic and fatal if swallowed. Read the "Safety & Disclaimer" section carefully before use.
Why Choose Pariquat? Key Benefits
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Rapid Weed Control: See results fast. Pariquat works on contact, with visible effects often appearing within hours, not days.
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Broad-Spectrum Power: As a non-selective herbicide, it effectively kills a wide range of green foliage it touches, making it ideal for a complete pre-plant "burn down."
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No Soil Persistence: This is its biggest advantage. Pariquat binds tightly to soil particles (like clay) and deactivates, meaning it won't harm your crop's roots. You can plant right after application.
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Excellent Rain-Fastness: The formula is absorbed very quickly by weeds and becomes rain-fast within minutes. No need to worry about a sudden shower washing it away.
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Ideal for No-Till Farming: The perfect tool for conservation tillage. Clear existing weeds effectively without disturbing the soil, helping to preserve soil moisture and prevent erosion.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | PARIQUAT |
| Technical Name | Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 22 (Photosystem I inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Bipyridylium |
| Formulation | SL (Soluble Liquid) |
| Toxicity Label | Red Triangle (Highly Toxic, Fatal) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Pariquat is a contact herbicide. It only kills the parts of the plant it touches and does not move systemically to the roots.
- Contact & Absorption: When sprayed, the herbicide is immediately absorbed by the green parts of weeds (leaves and stems).
- Photosynthesis Disruption: It works by interfering with Photosystem I, a critical part of photosynthesis. It effectively "steals" electrons from the process.
- Rapid Cell Destruction: This theft creates highly destructive "reactive oxygen species" (ROS) that rupture the plant's cell membranes. This causes rapid tissue desiccation (drying out), necrosis (cell death), and the quick "burn down" effect.
This same mechanism is what makes it extremely toxic to humans if ingested, as it causes catastrophic oxidative stress and cell death in our organs.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Tea | Imperata cylindrica, Commelina benhgalensis, Paspalum conjugatum (Used as a post-emergence directed spray) |
| Cotton | Cyperus iria, Trianthema portulacastum, Digitaria sp. (Used as a post-emergence directed spray) |
| Rice (Paddy) & Wheat | Grassy & Broad-leaf weeds (e.g., Echinochloa crusgalli, Ageratum conyzoides). Used as a pre-plant "burn down" in no-till systems. |
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea | 340 - 1720 ml | 80 - 160 L | 2.1 - 21.2 ml | See Label |
| Cotton | 500 - 860 ml | ~200 L | 2.5 - 4.25 ml | See Label |
| Rice (Pre-Plant) | 340 - 1720 ml | ~200 L | 1.7 - 8.5 ml | N/A (Pre-plant) |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. Always confirm PHI on the official product label.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply as a 'burn down' spray before planting crops like Rice and Wheat. For crops like Tea and Cotton, apply as a directed spray between the rows. AVOID all contact with the green foliage of your main crop.
- Mixing: Fill your spray tank with the required amount of clean water. Slowly add the measured amount of Pariquat and stir well with a stick. Using dirty or muddy water can deactivate the product.
- Coverage: Spray to get thorough coverage of all weed foliage. Use a Knapsack Sprayer with a flat fan or flood jet nozzle. These nozzles create coarser droplets, which reduces dangerous spray mist and drift.
- Safety: Always wear full, mandatory PPE: chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., Nitrile), long-sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes, socks, protective eyewear, and a NIOSH-approved respirator and face shield when mixing, loading, and spraying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Pariquat (Paraquat) safe to use?
Pariquat is EXTREMELY TOXIC and FATAL if swallowed or inhaled. There is NO ANTIDOTE. It must be used *only* by trained applicators following *all* safety protocols, including full PPE. It is classified as "Fatal if inhaled" and "Toxic if swallowed". Accidental ingestion of even "a single sip can be fatal".
2. Will Pariquat harm my crops if I plant after spraying?
No. One of Pariquat's main benefits is that it is inactivated immediately upon contact with soil. It has no soil persistence or root uptake. This means you can safely plant crops like rice or wheat very shortly after spraying to clear the field.
3. What happens if it rains after I spray?
Pariquat is very rain-fast within minutes of application. Its fast-acting, contact-based formula is absorbed quickly by the weed's leaves, so a sudden rain shower is unlikely to wash it off or reduce its effectiveness.
4. What's the difference between Pariquat and Glyphosate?
Pariquat is a fast-acting contact herbicide (visible in hours) that doesn't move to the roots. Glyphosate is a slow-acting systemic herbicide (visible in days/weeks) that kills the entire plant, including the roots. Pariquat is often used to manage glyphosate-resistant weeds.
5. What do I do in case of accidental poisoning?
This is a life-threatening medical emergency. Call for an ambulance immediately. If swallowed, give Activated Charcoal or Fuller's Earth. DO NOT induce vomiting. If on skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water for 15-20 minutes. Speed is essential.
Safety & Disclaimer
DANGER: FATAL POISON. NO ANTIDOTE EXISTS.
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. This product is FATAL if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. A single sip can kill. THERE IS NO CURE OR ANTIDOTE. Always use mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE): chemical-resistant gloves, face shield, and a respirator during mixing, loading, and application. Store in its original, locked container, away from food and children. NEVER transfer this product into beverage containers.
