Durion Diuron 80% WP Herbicide - Pre-Emergent Weed Control for Cotton, Sugarcane by IIL

Durion (Diuron 80% WP) is a broad-spectrum, pre-emergence herbicide manufactured by Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL). It is designed to control a wide range of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in long-duration crops like Cotton, Sugarcane, Maize, and plantation crops including Citrus, Banana, Tea, Coffee, and Rubber. The active ingredient Diuron belongs to the Substituted Urea chemical group and works as a photosynthesis inhibitor (IRAC Group C2 / Group 5).

Durion is formulated as a Wettable Powder (WP) and is applied to the soil before weeds emerge. It creates a chemical barrier in the topsoil layer that prevents weed seeds from germinating and growing. This gives farmers a cost-effective alternative to manual weeding, which is becoming increasingly expensive and labour-intensive. With a single application, Durion can keep fields weed-free for 45 to 90 days, covering the critical early growth stages of the crop when weed competition causes the most damage.

The product carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label (Moderately Toxic) and is available in a 500g pack size. It is suitable for use in both irrigated and rainfed conditions, provided the soil has adequate moisture at the time of application for proper activation.

Key Benefits

• Long-lasting residual control: One application provides weed-free conditions for 45 to 90 days, reducing the need for repeated spraying or manual weeding.
• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls both broadleaf weeds (like Amaranthus, Trianthema, Morning Glory) and annual grasses in a single spray.
• Significant cost savings: One application of Durion costs much less than multiple rounds of hand-weeding labour, making it an economical choice for large farms.
• Reduces labour dependency: Replaces expensive and hard-to-find manual labour for weeding, especially useful during peak agricultural seasons.
• Good soil binding: Stays in the top 0-5 cm soil layer where weed seeds germinate and resists washing away easily, making it ideal for irrigated crops.
• Resistance management tool: Can be rotated or tank-mixed with other herbicides like Pendimethalin to prevent weeds from developing resistance.
• Protects crop yield: By eliminating early weed competition, the crop gets full access to nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to healthier growth and better yields.

How It Works

Durion is a systemic herbicide that works by stopping the weed's ability to produce energy from sunlight. When applied to the soil, the chemical is absorbed by the roots of germinating weed seedlings. It then moves upward through the plant's vascular system into the leaves. Once in the leaves, it blocks the Photosystem II process — a critical part of photosynthesis. This blockage prevents the weed from converting sunlight into energy. Without energy, the weed seedling cannot grow. It first turns yellow (chlorosis), then brown (necrosis), and finally dies within a few days of emerging from the soil. Because the herbicide attacks the photosynthesis process, weeds must emerge and be exposed to light for the final kill to happen. For maximum effectiveness, the soil must have adequate moisture at the time of application so that the chemical can be properly absorbed by weed roots.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Durion
Manufacturer	Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL)
Technical Name	Diuron 80% WP
Formulation	Wettable Powder (WP)
Chemical Group	Substituted Urea
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group C2 / Group 5 (Photosynthesis Inhibitor)
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
Pack Size	500g
HSN Code	38089199
GST Rate	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

The Golden Rule: Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. Use higher dosage for black cotton soil (clay) and lower dosage for sandy/red soil to prevent leaching.

Crop	Dose (g/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (g/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Cotton	300g - 600g	200 - 300 L	~1.5g - 2g	60 - 90
Sugarcane	650g - 1300g	200 - 300 L	~3.25g - 4.5g	90+
Citrus / Banana	800g - 1600g	250 - 300 L	~3g - 5g	Before Fruit Set
Plantation Crops (Tea/Coffee/Rubber)	600g - 1000g	300 L	~2g - 3.5g	Before Fruit Set

When to Use

Durion is primarily a pre-emergence herbicide and should be applied to the soil before weed seeds germinate and emerge. For Cotton and Maize, apply strictly within 0 to 3 days of sowing, before the crop seedlings break the soil surface. For Sugarcane, it can be used as a pre-emergence application or as an early post-emergence treatment. For plantation crops like Citrus, Banana, Tea, Coffee, and Rubber, apply to the inter-row spaces where weeds grow, ensuring the spray hits only the soil and not the tree trunks or leaves. The best time to apply is when the soil is moist — either after irrigation or after a light rain. Moist soil helps the chemical bind properly in the top layer and allows weed roots to absorb it effectively. Avoid applying on very dry soil or when heavy rain is expected within 24 hours.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field: Ensure the field is free of large existing weeds and the soil is moist. Level the field for uniform application.
2. Calculate the dose: Measure the correct quantity of Durion based on your crop and soil type using the dosage table above.
3. Make a slurry: Since Durion is a Wettable Powder (WP), first mix the required quantity in a small bucket with a little water to form a smooth, lump-free paste (slurry).
4. Add to main tank: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the slurry to the tank while stirring continuously.
5. Fill and agitate: Add the remaining water and keep the tank agitated constantly to prevent the powder from settling at the bottom.
6. Spray application: Use Flat Fan or Floodjet nozzles for uniform soil coverage. Apply the spray evenly over the soil surface.
7. Post-application: Do not disturb the soil after spraying, as this can break the chemical barrier. Avoid irrigation that causes runoff.
8. Clean equipment: Thoroughly wash the spray tank, hoses, and nozzles with clean water after use.

Compatibility

Durion is often rotated or tank-mixed with Pendimethalin for enhanced weed control and resistance management. However, always check compatibility before mixing any products. Perform a small jar test by mixing the recommended quantities of each product in a small container of water and observing for any settling, clumping, or separation before preparing the full tank mix.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and goggles during handling and application.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product.
• Avoid spray drift onto standing crops, water bodies, or aquaculture farms.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, and children.
• Do not use near water bodies or areas where runoff can contaminate drinking water sources.
• Dispose of empty containers safely — do not reuse for any purpose.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Durion can cause severe burning, yellowing, or death to crop foliage if sprayed directly on emerged leaves. For Cotton and Maize, it must be applied strictly as a pre-emergence treatment within 0-3 days of sowing, before seedlings emerge. Spraying on emerged cotton or maize seedlings can cause phytotoxicity. For established orchards (Citrus/Banana/Grapes older than 2 years), use a hood on the sprayer to ensure the chemical hits only the soil and not the tree trunk or leaves. On sandy soils, using higher doses can cause the chemical to leach down to the root zone and damage crop roots — always use the lower recommended dose on light/sandy soils.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
PHI (Cotton)	60 - 90 days
PHI (Sugarcane)	90+ days
PHI (Plantation Crops)	Before Fruit Set
Soil Persistence	Long-lasting residual activity in soil

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Store away from food, animal feed, and children's reach.