HPM Hifit Plus Pretilachlor 37% EW Pre-Emergence Herbicide for Transplanted Rice

HPM Hifit Plus is a pre-emergence, selective herbicide specially developed for transplanted rice. It contains Pretilachlor 37% in an Emulsion in Water (EW) formulation, which dissolves quickly and spreads uniformly across the field. This herbicide targets weeds at the germination stage, preventing them from competing with the rice crop during the critical early growth period.

Hifit Plus provides broad-spectrum control of annual grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds commonly found in paddy fields. It works by inhibiting cell division in germinating weeds, stopping their growth before they can emerge and compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight. The EW formulation is water-based, which reduces the risk of crop shock and provides a greening effect to rice seedlings instead of causing stunting or yellowing.

This product is designed for use in transplanted rice and should be applied within 0 to 5 days after transplanting. It is safe for the crop when used as per recommended dosage and helps farmers achieve clean, weed-free fields that support healthy crop growth and better yields.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls annual grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds in one application
• Selective action: Targets only weeds without harming transplanted rice seedlings
• Crop safety: Provides a greening effect to rice plants with no stunting or yellowing
• Quick dissolution: EW formulation mixes easily with water and spreads uniformly for thorough field coverage
• Long-lasting residual control: Creates a chemical barrier that suppresses weed emergence for an extended period
• Eco-friendly profile: Safe for non-target organisms including fish, honeybees, and beneficial soil fauna
• Easy to use: Simple mixing and application with standard knapsack sprayer equipment

How It Works

HPM Hifit Plus operates as a selective pre-emergence herbicide that targets weeds at their most vulnerable stage — germination. When applied to the field, the active ingredient Pretilachlor is rapidly absorbed by the emerging shoots (hypocotyls, mesocotyls, and coleoptiles) of germinating weeds, and to a lesser extent by their roots.

Once absorbed, Pretilachlor acts as a Very Long Chain Fatty Acid (VLCFA) inhibitor. It blocks the synthesis of fatty acids that are essential for cell membrane formation and cell growth. This stops cell division immediately in the weed seedlings, causing them to die before they can break through the soil surface or establish a root system. Because the herbicide works on the germination process, it must be applied before weeds have emerged and developed leaves.

The herbicide belongs to the Chloroacetamide chemical group and is classified under IRAC Mode of Action Group K3 (Cell Division Inhibitor). The EW (Emulsion in Water) formulation ensures that the active ingredient disperses evenly in the field water and binds to the soil surface, creating a uniform protective layer that prevents weed establishment.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Hifit Plus (HPM)
Technical Name	Pretilachlor 37% EW
Formulation Type	Emulsion in Water (EW)
Chemical Group	Chloroacetamide
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group K3 (Cell Division Inhibitor / VLCFA Inhibitor)
Mode of Action	Inhibits cell division in weeds; absorbed through shoots and roots
Toxicity Label	Green (Safe for Non-Target Fauna)
Registration No.	CIR-67,148/2012-Pretilachlor(EW)(314)-453
Available Pack Sizes	600 ml, 1000 ml (1 Ltr), 1200 ml (1.2 Ltr), 3 Ltr
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage (per acre)	Water Volume (per acre)	Application Timing	PHI
Transplanted Rice	Grasses, Sedges & Broadleaf Weeds	600–750 ml	200 litres	0–5 days after transplanting	90 days

Dose per litre of water: Approximately 3.0 to 4 ml per litre of water.

When to Use

Apply HPM Hifit Plus within 0 to 5 days after transplanting rice seedlings. This is the most critical window for weed control because weeds start germinating soon after the field is flooded and transplanted. Early application ensures that the herbicide forms a protective barrier on the soil surface before weeds can establish themselves.

Applying beyond 5 days after transplanting will reduce effectiveness, as weeds may have already emerged and developed root systems. The product works best as a pre-emergence treatment — it stops weeds before they appear above the soil.

For best results, apply when the field has standing water but avoid flooding for 24 hours after application. This allows the herbicide to bind properly to the soil surface. After 24 hours, maintain standing water in the field to help suppress further weed growth.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field: Ensure rice has been transplanted and the field has standing water as per normal paddy cultivation practice.
2. Check timing: Confirm that application is within 0 to 5 days after transplanting for best results.
3. Shake the bottle: Shake the Hifit Plus bottle well before use to ensure uniform mixing.
4. Mix the dose: Measure the recommended dosage (600–750 ml per acre). Mix with a small amount of clean water first, then add to the full 200 litres of water. The EW formulation mixes easily without vigorous agitation.
5. Fill sprayer: Pour the mixture into a knapsack sprayer or similar high-volume spraying equipment.
6. Spray uniformly: Apply the mixture evenly over the entire field, ensuring good coverage over the standing water.
7. Water management: Do not flood the field for at least 24 hours after application. This allows the herbicide to settle and bind to the soil surface.
8. After 24 hours: Maintain normal standing water levels in the field to support weed suppression.
9. Clean equipment: Wash the sprayer and all equipment thoroughly after use.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and application
• Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, or inhalation of spray mist
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling
• Keep the product away from food, feed, and drinking water sources
• Do not contaminate ponds, rivers, or other water bodies during application or equipment cleaning
• Store in the original container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from children and animals
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product
• Antidote: No specific antidote is available. In case of accidental exposure, provide symptomatic treatment and seek medical advice immediately

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)	90 days
Storage	Store in original container in a cool, dry, ventilated place away from moisture and direct sunlight