Zermia (Paclobutrazol 40% SC): The Ultimate Guide to Boost Your Crop Yield
A complete guide to Zermia, the powerful plant growth regulator (PGR) from Parijat Industries.
Zermia is a modern, systemic plant growth regulator with the active ingredient Paclobutrazol 40% SC. Think of it as a "brake" for your plants. It works by scientifically controlling unwanted vegetative growth (excess stems and leaves).
This "braking" action redirects the plant's energy (sugars and nutrients) away from leaves and into what matters most: more flowers, stronger fruit set, and bigger, heavier bulbs or tubers. The result is a more compact, stress-resistant plant that delivers a significantly higher yield.
Why Choose Zermia? Key Benefits
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Manages Plant Height: Creates a shorter, stouter, and stronger plant structure that resists lodging.
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Reduces Flower & Fruit Drop: Secures more energy for the plant to hold onto its flowers and young fruits, leading to better conversion.
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Boosts Final Yield: Redirects energy to storage organs, resulting in significantly larger, heavier, and more abundant fruits, tubers (potatoes), or bulbs (onions).
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Increases Stress Tolerance: Helps plants build resilience against environmental stressors, especially drought and high salinity.
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Promotes Branching & Flowering: Encourages the growth of more side branches (prolific branching) and a massive increase in the number of flower buds.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | ZERMIA |
| Technical Name | Paclobutrazol 40% SC |
| IRAC MoA Code | N/A (It is a PGR & Fungicide, not an Insecticide) |
| Chemical Group | Triazole |
| Formulation | Suspension Concentrate (SC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Label (Slightly Hazardous) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Zermia's action is simple, systemic, and highly effective:
- Inhibits Growth Hormones: Zermia is absorbed by the plant (through leaves, stems, or roots) and blocks the production of gibberellin, the main hormone that tells a plant to grow tall.
- Stops Vegetative Growth: This action puts a "brake" on the growth of stems and leaves (apical dominance). The plant stops wasting energy on getting taller.
- Redirects Energy: All the energy (sugars/assimilates) saved from stem growth is now re-allocated to the plant's reproductive parts. This is what fuels a massive increase in flowers, fruit set, and bulb/tuber size.
This energy redirection is also what makes the plant tougher and more resilient to drought stress.
Target Crops & Problems Solved
| Crop | Target "Pest" or Problem Solved |
|---|---|
| Mango | Manages Biennial Bearing (uneven fruiting), Controls Excessive Vegetative Growth |
| Potato | Controls Excessive Vine Growth, Enhances Tuber Setting & Size |
| Onion & Garlic | Prevents Premature Bolting (seed stalk formation), Increases Bulb Size & Weight |
| Pigeon Pea | Controls Excessive Growth, Reduces Flower Drop, Boosts Pod Setting |
Dosage & Application Guide (Foliar Spray)
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. Do not overdose; this is a highly concentrated product.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pigeon Pea | 30 ml | 200 L | 0.15 ml | 48 |
| Potato | 25 ml | 200 L | 0.125 ml | - |
| Onion & Garlic | 30 - 40 ml | 200 L | 0.15 - 0.2 ml | - |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing (Foliar Spray): Apply at the specific growth stage. Pigeon Pea: at flower initiation. Potato: at 45 days after planting (early tuber set). Onion: at 45 days (early bulb formation).
- Timing (Mango Soil Drench): This is different. Apply ONCE per year, after harvest (Sept-Nov). Mix 8-16 ml (depending on tree age) in water and pour it into the soil at the base of the trunk. Do NOT spray on Mango leaves.
- Mixing: Shake the bottle well. Mix the required dose in a small amount of water to make a uniform slurry, then add the rest of the water and stir well.
- Coverage: For foliar sprays, use a knapsack sprayer with a hollow cone nozzle to ensure a fine mist covers all leaves uniformly.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Zermia a fungicide or a plant growth regulator (PGR)?
Zermia is a Plant Growth Regulator (PGR). Its main job is to control plant growth and boost yield. While it's in the 'triazole' chemical family (which includes fungicides), its registered and primary use is as a PGR. Do not use it to treat fungal diseases.
2. What is the main use of Zermia (Paclobutrazol) in Mango?
In mangoes, Zermia is used to manage biennial bearing (the "on-year / off-year" cycle). It's applied as a soil drench after harvest to stop excessive leaf growth and force the tree to produce a heavy, uniform flower set the next season.
3. What is the dose of Zermia per litre of water?
The dose is very small because it's highly concentrated. For most foliar sprays (like on potato or pigeon pea), the dose is about 0.125 ml to 0.15 ml of Zermia per 1 litre of water. For a 15L pump, this is about 1.8 ml to 2.25 ml. Always follow the "dose per acre" for the best accuracy.
4. Can I use Zermia on potatoes or onions?
Yes. On potatoes, a foliar spray at 45 days helps control vine growth and diverts energy to the tubers, increasing their size and number. On onions and garlic, it's used to prevent bolting (seed stalks) and increase the final bulb size.
5. Is Zermia (Paclobutrazol 40% SC) safe?
Zermia is safe when used correctly. It is slightly hazardous (Blue Label) and a confirmed eye irritant. Always wear PPE, especially gloves and safety goggles, when mixing and spraying. It is toxic to aquatic life, so do not let it enter water bodies.
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.
