HPM Cheetah (Imazethapyr 10% SL) Systemic Herbicide for Soybean, Groundnut & Pulses

HPM Cheetah is a systemic, selective herbicide containing Imazethapyr 10% SL (Soluble Liquid formulation). It belongs to the Imidazolinone chemical group and works as an ALS inhibitor (IRAC Group 2). This herbicide is designed to control a broad spectrum of weeds including grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges in leguminous crops like Soybean, Groundnut, and Pulses.

Cheetah is absorbed by both the roots and foliage of weeds and moves through the plant's vascular system (xylem and phloem) to reach the growing points (meristematic regions). Once inside the weed, it disrupts protein and DNA synthesis by blocking the ALS enzyme, which stops the production of essential amino acids. This leads to rapid growth arrest and eventual death of the weed. The herbicide also provides residual activity in the soil, offering longer-lasting weed control and preventing new weed germination.

HPM Cheetah is safe for the target crops when used at recommended dosages and is also safe for subsequent crops in rotation. It is a post-emergent herbicide best applied during the early growth stages of weeds. The product is available in 250 ml, 500 ml, and 1 litre pack sizes and is registered under CIR-52,401/2006-Imazethapyr (SL) (260)-5.

Key Benefits

• Systemic action: Absorbed by roots and foliage, then moves throughout the weed to kill it from the inside out.
• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges in a single application.
• Residual protection: Remains active in the soil to prevent new weed germination, giving season-long control.
• Crop safety: Selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming Soybean, Groundnut, or Pulse crops when used as directed.
• Safe for subsequent crops: Does not leave harmful residues that affect crops planted in the next season.
• Reduces manual weeding: Lowers labour costs and saves time by reducing the need for hand weeding.
• Rainfast once absorbed: After absorption by foliage (within a few hours), it is not easily washed off by rain.

How It Works

HPM Cheetah works through a mechanism called ALS inhibition. The active ingredient, Imazethapyr, is rapidly absorbed by the weed's roots and leaves. Once inside, it travels through the plant's internal transport system — the xylem and phloem — and accumulates in the meristematic regions (the growing points like shoot tips and root tips).

At these growth points, Imazethapyr inhibits the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme. This enzyme is essential for producing three key amino acids: valine, leucine, and isoleucine. When the ALS enzyme is blocked, the weed cannot make these amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Without protein synthesis, the weed's DNA synthesis also stops. The result is that weed growth stops almost immediately after application, and the weed gradually wilts, turns yellow, and dies completely.

Because Cheetah moves systemically within the weed, it reaches parts of the plant that contact sprays might miss. This ensures thorough control of even well-established weeds. The residual activity in the soil also means that weed seeds that germinate after spraying are still affected, providing extended protection for the crop.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	HPM Cheetah
Technical Name	Imazethapyr 10% SL
Formulation	Soluble Liquid (SL)
Chemical Group	Imidazolinone
Mode of Action	ALS Inhibitor (Systemic)
IRAC MoA Code	Group 2 (ALS Inhibitors)
Selectivity	Selective
Time of Application	Post-emergent
Toxicity Label	Blue (Caution)
Registration No.	CIR-52,401/2006-Imazethapyr (SL) (260)-5
Pack Sizes Available	250 ml, 500 ml, 1 Ltr
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage (per acre)	Water (per acre)	Dosage (per litre water)
Soybean	Echinochloa colonum, Echinochloa crus-galli, Euphorbia hirta, Croton sparsiflorus, Digera arvensis, Commelina benghalensis, Cyperus difformis, and other grasses, broadleaf weeds & sedges	400 ml	200–240 litres	2 ml
Groundnut	Cyperus difformis, Commelina benghalensis, Trianthema portulacastrum, Eragrostis pilosa, Echinochloa colonum, Euphorbia hirta, Digera arvensis, and other broadleaf weeds & sedges	400–600 ml	200–280 litres	2 ml
Pulses	Brachiaria eruciformis, Amaranthus viridis, Trianthema portulacastrum, Parthenium, Wild Sunflower, and other broadleaf & grassy weeds	300 ml	200 litres	—

When to Use

HPM Cheetah should be applied as an early post-emergent herbicide, when weeds are young and actively growing — typically at the 1–3 leaf stage. At this stage, weeds are most vulnerable to the herbicide, and the crop is well-established enough to tolerate the application.

For best results, ensure adequate soil moisture before application. This helps the herbicide get absorbed through weed roots more effectively. Apply during calm weather conditions to avoid spray drift onto non-target areas. Avoid spraying when rain is expected within a few hours, though once absorbed (within a few hours), the product is rainfast.

The waiting period (PHI) between the last spray and harvest is approximately 75 days for Soybean and 90 days for Groundnut.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, and goggles before handling the product.
2. Measure accurately: Measure the required dosage as per the crop and weed type using a clean measuring cup.
3. Mix with water: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the measured herbicide and mix well. Then add the remaining water and stir thoroughly.
4. Use proper nozzle: Use flat fan or flood jet nozzles for uniform spray coverage over the weed foliage and soil.
5. Spray evenly: Apply the mixture uniformly across the field, ensuring good coverage of all weeds.
6. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly clean all spray equipment with clean water. Do not dispose of rinsate near water bodies.
7. Post-application hygiene: Wash hands, face, and any exposed skin with soap and water immediately after spraying.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) — gloves, mask, and goggles — while handling and applying the herbicide.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• Keep the product away from children, pets, food items, and animal feed.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Do not apply near water bodies, ponds, or wells to prevent contamination.
• Avoid spray drift onto neighbouring crops, especially non-leguminous crops.
• Do not exceed the recommended dosage under any circumstances.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• In case of accidental contact with eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water. If ingested, seek medical help immediately and show the product label.

PHI / REI & Storage

Parameter	Details
PHI (Soybean)	75 days
PHI (Groundnut)	90 days
Shelf Life	24 months from date of manufacture
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture