Prince Herbicide (Pretilachlor 50% EC) | Ultimate Weed Control for Rice
Stop weeds before they start. The trusted pre-emergence solution for healthy transplanted paddy. [Image of healthy transplanted paddy field]
Prince (Pretilachlor 50% EC) by Krishi Rasayan is a powerful herbicide designed specifically for transplanted rice. In the face of rising labor costs and shortage of farmhands, Prince acts as your "chemical weeder." It creates a protective barrier on the soil surface that stops stubborn grasses, sedges, and broad-leaf weeds from ever emerging.
Target Usage: Ideal for application within the first 0 to 5 days after transplanting (DAT) to secure your crop yield early.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
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The "Golden Window" Protection: Applied between 0-5 days after transplanting, it kills weeds at the germination stage before they damage your crop.
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Broad-Spectrum Defense: One shot controls multiple enemies: Barnyard grass (Echinochloa), Sedges, and Broad-leaf weeds.
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Cost-Effective Labor Replacement: Drastically cheaper than manual weeding (saving up to 90% on weeding costs) and eliminates dependence on scarce labor.
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Works in Standing Water: Perfectly formulated for wet paddy conditions; spreads evenly across the water surface to form a weed-killing barrier.
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Safe for Transplanted Rice: Highly selective action ensures your rice seedlings remain healthy while weeds are destroyed (Note: Not for Direct Seeded Rice).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Prince |
| Technical Name | Pretilachlor 50% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group K3 (VLCFA Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chloroacetamide |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (Liquid) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue (Danger) or Yellow (Highly Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Prince works by stopping cell division in young weeds.
- Absorption: The herbicide is absorbed rapidly through the coleoptile (shoots) of grassy weeds and the roots of sedges as they try to germinate.
- Inhibition: It blocks the synthesis of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFAs), which are essential for building cell membranes.
- Termination: Without new cells, the weed seedling cannot grow and dies before it ever reaches the surface.
Note: Since it attacks germination, it has no effect on weeds that have already fully emerged. Timing is everything.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Small Flower Umbrella Plant (Cyperus difformis) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Broad-leaf Weeds (Ludwigia, Eclipta alba) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Do not overdose.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice | 400 - 600 ml | 200 L (if spraying) | 2.5 - 3.0 ml | Apply at 0-5 Days |
| Sand Mix Method | 500 ml | Mix with 20kg Sand | N/A | Apply at 0-3 Days |
| Heavy Soil (Clay) | 600 ml | 200 L | 3.0 ml | Apply at 0-5 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: Since this is applied at the start of the season (0-5 days), the harvest interval is naturally sufficient.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Must be applied within 0 to 5 Days After Transplanting (DAT). Do not apply if weeds have already emerged (2-3 leaf stage).
- Mixing (Sand Method): Highly recommended for ease. Mix 500ml of Prince with dry sand and broadcast uniformly by hand.
- Coverage & Water: Maintain a thin film of standing water (2-3 cm) in the field during application. Do not drain water for 2-3 days after application to allow the chemical to settle and bind.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid using on sandy or porous soils where leaching can occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Prince for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)?
No. Prince (50% EC) is designed for transplanted rice. Using it on germinating rice seeds in DSR can cause severe damage or kill the crop.
2. Is there an antidote if accidentally ingested?
No specific antidote exists. Treatment is symptomatic. Note: It mimics Organophosphate poisoning symptoms (low heart rate), but Pralidoxime (PAM) is NOT effective. Seek immediate medical help.
3. Will it kill weeds that are already big?
No. Pretilachlor is a "Pre-Emergence" herbicide. It only kills weeds as they sprout. If weeds have already grown 2-3 leaves, this product will not work.
4. Can I mix it with other chemicals?
It is best applied alone or via the sand-mix method. Avoid mixing with insecticides unless explicitly advised by an agronomist.
5. Is it safe for fish farming (Aquaculture)?
No. Pretilachlor is toxic to aquatic life. Do not use in fields that share water with fish ponds or aquaculture setups.
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.

