Pilot Herbicide (Pretilachlor 50% EC) by Coromandel
The Ultimate Pre-Emergence Solution for Weed-Free Transplanted Rice.
Stop weeds before they steal your yield. Pilot (Pretilachlor 50% EC) is a specialized herbicide designed for transplanted paddy. It creates a protective chemical barrier that prevents grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds from germinating, ensuring your crop gets all the nutrients it deserves.
Best For: Farmers seeking a labor-saving, "one-shot" solution during the critical first week of transplanting.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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Stops Weeds Early: Applied within 0-4 days of transplanting, it kills weeds before they even emerge.
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Broad Spectrum Defense: Controls tough Barnyard grass, Sedges, and Broadleaf weeds simultaneously.
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Long-Lasting Protection: Provides residual control for 30-40 days, keeping the field clean during the critical growth phase.
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Easy Application: Flexible usage—can be sprayed or simply mixed with sand and broadcasted into standing water.
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Safe for Rice: Highly selective formulation that targets weeds without harming the established paddy seedlings.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Pilot |
| Technical Name | Pretilachlor 50% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group 15 (VLCFA Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chloroacetamide |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Pilot works systemically. It is absorbed by the shoots (coleoptiles) of germinating weeds.
- Inhibition: It blocks the synthesis of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFAs) and proteins within the weed.
- Stoppage: This disrupts cell division and prevents the formation of cell membranes.
- Elimination: The weed seedling is stunted and dies before it can grow above the water or soil surface.
Note: Rice is safe because it can metabolize the chemical faster than weeds can.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice | Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) |
| Transplanted Rice | Small-flower Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus difformis) |
| Transplanted Rice | False Daisy (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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice (Light Soil) | 400 ml | 200 - 300 L | 2 ml | 75 - 90 |
| Transplanted Rice (Heavy Soil) | 600 ml | 200 - 300 L | 3 ml | 75 - 90 |
*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 4 days after transplanting. Do not delay, as it is less effective on weeds that have already emerged (2-3 leaf stage).
- Mixing (Sand Method): Mix the recommended dose (e.g., 500ml) with 20-25 kg of dry sand and broadcast uniformly.
- Coverage: Ensure the field has 2-3 cm of standing water. Maintain this water level for 5-7 days so the chemical forms a film on the soil surface.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Pilot on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)?
Pilot 50% EC is primarily labeled for transplanted rice. For DSR, special care or safened formulations are usually required to prevent crop injury. Consult an agronomist before use in DSR.
2. Will it kill big weeds?
No. Pilot is a pre-emergence herbicide. It stops seeds from growing. It will not kill large, established weeds.
3. Can I mix it with Urea?
Yes, many farmers mix it with fertilizers or sand for broadcasting, provided it is applied immediately and uniformly.
4. Is it safe for fish?
No. Do not use in fields where aquaculture (fish farming) is practiced.
5. What is the antidote for accidental poisoning?
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic. Note to doctors: Symptoms may mimic Organophosphate poisoning, but treatment differs (Atropine is often not effective/recommended).
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.
