Racer (Pretilachlor 50% EC): The Ultimate Pre-Emergence Herbicide for Rice
Stop weeds before they start. Protect your paddy yield with the trusted "One-Shot" solution.
Racer (Pretilachlor 50% EC) is a specialized systemic herbicide designed specifically for transplanted rice. Manufactured to high standards, it tackles the toughest grasses, sedges, and broad-leaved weeds during the most critical period of crop establishment. By creating a protective chemical barrier, Racer ensures your rice crop gets 100% of the nutrients, sunlight, and space it needs to thrive, preventing yield losses that can range from 20% to 100% in untreated fields.
Best For: Farmers seeking a cost-effective alternative to manual weeding with long-lasting residual control.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
-
⏱️
Save Time & Labor: Eliminate the need for expensive manual weeding. Apply a single dose within 0-4 days of transplanting for maximum efficiency.
-
🛡️
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Kills the "Big Three" weed enemies: Grasses (Barnyard grass), Sedges, and Broad-leaved weeds.
-
⏳
50 Days of Control: Provides extended residual activity, keeping your field weed-free during the critical early growth stage.
-
🌧️
Works in Standing Water: Designed for the wet conditions of paddy fields. It spreads evenly across the water surface to form a chemical film.
-
🌿
Safe for Rice: Highly selective action ensures the safety of transplanted rice seedlings while targeting germinating weeds.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Racer (and various equivalents) |
| 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
Racer works by targeting weeds at their most vulnerable stage: germination.
- Absorption: The herbicide is rapidly absorbed by the coleoptile (shoots) of germinating grasses and the roots/hypocotyl of broad-leaved weeds.
- Inhibition: Once inside, it stops the biosynthesis of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFAs), which are essential for cell growth.
- Elimination: This halts cell division and enlargement, causing the weeds to die before they can emerge above the soil/water surface.
Note: Transplanted rice is safe because it can metabolize (break down) the chemical faster than weeds can.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice | Grasses: Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa spp.), Chinese Sprangletop |
| Transplanted Rice | Sedges: Rice Flat Sedge (Cyperus iria), Umbrella Sedge (Cyperus difformis) |
| Transplanted Rice | Broad-Leaved Weeds: Ludwigia parviflora, Eclipta alba, Monochoria vaginalis |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" based on your soil type for accurate results.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (Light Soil) | 400 - 500 ml | 200 L (Spray) | 2.0 - 2.5 ml | As per Label |
| Rice (Heavy Soil) | 500 - 600 ml | 200 L (Spray) | 2.5 - 3.0 ml | As per Label |
| Rice (Sand Mix) | 500 ml | Mix with 20-25kg Sand | N/A | As per Label |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting. (Typically not applicable for Pre-Emergence, refer to bottle).
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply strictly between 0 to 4 days after transplanting. Late application (after weeds emerge) will fail.
- Mixing (Sand Method): Mix 500ml of Racer with 20-25kg of dry sand or fertilizer. Broadcast uniformly across the field.
- Coverage: Ensure the field has standing water (2-3 cm depth). Do not drain water for 5-7 days after application to maintain the chemical barrier.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid inhalation of spray mist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Racer on direct-seeded rice?
It is primarily recommended for transplanted rice. For direct-seeded rice, consult an agronomist as dosage and timing differ significantly to avoid crop injury.
2. What happens if I apply it after 5 days?
Efficacy drops sharply. Racer targets germinating seeds. Once weeds reach the 2-3 leaf stage (usually after 4-5 days), they develop a thicker cuticle and are harder to kill.
3. Is it safe for fish in the paddy field?
No. Pretilachlor is toxic to aquatic life (fish). Do not drain treated water into fish ponds or lakes.
4. Why do I need standing water?
The water acts as a carrier, spreading the chemical evenly to form a film over the soil. If the water dries up, the film breaks, and weeds will emerge through the gaps.
5. Will it damage my rice crop?
Racer is generally safe. However, overdose or deep water (>5cm) submerging the rice seedlings can cause temporary yellowing or stunting. The crop typically recovers within a week.
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: Toxic if inhaled.
