Crystal Gramoxone Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL Herbicide - Non-Selective Weed Control

Crystal Gramoxone is a fast-acting, non-selective contact herbicide formulated with Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL (Soluble Liquid). It is designed to control a wide range of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds across many crops and non-crop areas. This herbicide works on contact with green plant parts and shows visible results within hours of application, making it a trusted choice for farmers who need quick and effective weed management.

Gramoxone is widely used in crops like tea, cotton, sugarcane, rice, wheat, grapes, potato, maize, and soybean. It is also effective for clearing weeds in non-crop areas such as bunds, roadsides, and ditches. The product belongs to the bipyridilium chemical group and works by disrupting photosynthesis in the chloroplasts of green plants. Once it reaches the soil, it binds tightly to soil particles and becomes inactive, which means it does not leach into groundwater or harm soil organisms. This makes it a practical option for pre-planting weed burn-down, inter-row cleaning, post-harvest cleanup, and no-till farming systems.

With a recommended dosage of 500 ml per acre (or 6.5 ml per litre of water), Crystal Gramoxone is easy to mix and apply using standard knapsack or boom sprayers. It is rainfast within 4 hours of application and provides residual activity for up to 30 days. Farmers should follow all safety precautions, including wearing proper protective gear, as paraquat is a moderately toxic substance that requires careful handling.

Key Benefits

• Fast-acting control: Visible wilting and drying of weeds begins within hours, with full effect seen within 24–48 hours of application.
• Non-selective action: Kills all green vegetation it comes into contact with, making it ideal for clearing fields, bunds, pathways, and non-crop areas.
• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls annual grasses, broadleaf weeds, and certain perennial weeds including tough species like Cyperus, Cynodon, and Eichhornia.
• Long residual activity: Remains active for up to 30 days after application, providing extended weed management.
• Soil-safe formulation: Becomes inactive upon contact with soil—does not leach into groundwater and has no negative effect on soil organisms.
• Easy to use: Soluble liquid formulation mixes easily with water for hassle-free spraying using standard equipment.
• Cost-effective weed management: Reduces dependency on manual weeding and provides reliable control at a low per-acre cost.
• Helps prevent soil erosion: Suitable for no-till farming as it controls weeds without disturbing the soil structure.

How It Works

Crystal Gramoxone contains Paraquat Dichloride, a contact herbicide from the bipyridilium chemical group. When sprayed on green plant parts, the active ingredient enters the plant cells and targets the chloroplasts—the structures responsible for photosynthesis. In the presence of sunlight, paraquat interferes with the electron transport chain during photosynthesis, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals). These free radicals rapidly destroy cell membranes, causing the plant tissue to dry out and collapse.

Because it is a contact herbicide, Gramoxone only affects the parts of the plant it directly touches. It does not move (translocate) within the plant to roots or underground parts. This is why thorough spray coverage is important for good results. The action is fast—weeds begin to show wilting and yellowing within hours, and complete drying usually occurs within 24 to 48 hours under favourable conditions.

One important feature of paraquat is that it is rapidly and tightly bound to soil particles upon contact. This means it becomes biologically inactive in the soil and does not get taken up by crop roots. It also does not leach into groundwater, making it safe for the soil environment even after repeated use over many years.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Dilution: Mix 6.5 ml of Gramoxone per litre of clean water. For 500 ml per acre, use approximately 200 litres of water. For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer, use about 37.5 ml of product per tank.

When to Use

Crystal Gramoxone is most effective when applied to actively growing young weeds. For best results, spray when weeds are in the early growth stage (2–6 leaf stage) and are actively growing. Avoid spraying on weeds that are stressed due to drought, waterlogging, or extreme temperatures, as control may be reduced.

Apply during daylight hours because the herbicide requires sunlight for its mode of action in the chloroplasts. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal—avoid the hottest part of the day to prevent rapid drying of spray droplets before absorption. Choose a non-windy day to prevent spray drift onto desirable crops or plants. Ensure no rainfall is expected for at least 4 hours after application, as the product needs this rainfast period to be effective.

Gramoxone can be used for pre-planting weed burn-down (before sowing or transplanting), inter-row weed control in established crops (using directed spray to avoid crop contact), post-harvest cleanup, and clearing non-crop areas like bunds, roadsides, and drainage channels.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Read the label: Carefully review the product label and technical guidelines before use.
2. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, goggles, a mask, and long-sleeved clothing before handling the product.
3. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water. Add the measured quantity of Gramoxone (6.5 ml per litre of water or as per recommended dosage). Add the remaining water and mix thoroughly.
4. Add adjuvant (recommended): For best results, mix a non-ionic spreader/sticker (surfactant/adjuvant) with the spray solution to improve coverage and wetting on weed foliage.
5. Spray application: Apply using a knapsack sprayer or boom sprayer. Ensure thorough coverage of all green weed foliage. Use a high-volume spray to get complete wetting of leaves.
6. Avoid crop contact: For inter-row applications, use a directed spray or shield to prevent the herbicide from touching crop plants, as it will kill any green vegetation it contacts.
7. Rainfast period: Ensure no rainfall occurs for at least 4 hours after spraying.
8. Clean equipment: Rinse all spray equipment thoroughly with soap and water after use. Do not dispose of rinse water near water bodies.

Compatibility

Gramoxone can be mixed with other compatible herbicides to broaden the weed control spectrum. It is commonly tank-mixed with herbicides like 2,4-D for improved control of certain broadleaf weeds. Always perform a jar compatibility test before mixing on a large scale. Follow the mixing instructions provided on the product label. Do not mix with alkaline substances or products that may cause degradation of paraquat.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, goggles, a face mask, and long-sleeved clothing while handling and spraying.
• Avoid contact: Do not allow the product to come into contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. In case of spillage, wash immediately with plenty of water.
• Do not ingest: Paraquat is highly toxic if swallowed. Never transfer the product into food or beverage containers. Keep away from mouth and face.
• Spray drift: Do not spray on windy days. Avoid drift onto crops, pastures, water bodies, or non-target areas.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and the reach of children and pets. Keep in original container with label intact.
• Water bodies: Do not contaminate ponds, rivers, or other water sources with the product or its rinse water.
• First aid: If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. There is no specific antidote for paraquat poisoning—only symptomatic treatment is available.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• Crystal Gramoxone is non-selective and will damage or kill any crop or desirable plant it comes into contact with. Use directed spray or shields when applying near crops.
• Can be harmful to beneficial insects including pollinators if sprayed directly. To reduce risk, spray during early morning or late afternoon when pollinators are less active.
• Toxic to aquatic organisms. Avoid spray drift and runoff into water bodies.
• Do not apply on crops under stress from drought, waterlogging, disease, or extreme temperatures, as this may increase the risk of unintended damage.

PHI / REI & Storage