HPM Dhavak Herbicide – Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL for Broad-Spectrum Weed Control in Cotton & Tea

HPM Dhavak is a non-selective, post-emergence herbicide powered by Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL (Soluble Liquid). It is designed for fast and effective control of a broad spectrum of annual and perennial weeds, including grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges. This herbicide works through contact action—it is absorbed by the leaf surface and inhibits the glutamine synthetase enzyme, causing toxic ammonia to build up inside weed cells. This disrupts photosynthesis and leads to rapid yellowing and drying of weeds within a few days.

HPM Dhavak is widely used in cotton fields, tea plantations, and non-crop areas such as industrial sites, railway tracks, and farm boundaries. It is especially valuable for managing weeds that have developed resistance to other herbicides like glyphosate. Unlike many other weed killers, Dhavak remains effective even under cloudy weather or low sunlight conditions, giving farmers flexibility in application timing. With lower soil residual toxicity, it breaks down rapidly in the soil, making it a safer choice for the environment and future crops.

This herbicide is available in multiple pack sizes including 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, and 1 litre bottles. It carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label (moderately toxic) and belongs to the Phosphinic Acid chemical group with IRAC Mode of Action Group 10 (Glutamine Synthetase Inhibitor). Always use protective equipment and follow label instructions for safe and effective weed management.

Key Benefits

• Rapid knockdown action: Weeds start yellowing and wilting within 3–5 days of application, allowing faster field turnaround.
• Broad-spectrum control: Effectively kills annual and perennial grasses, broadleaf weeds, and tough sedges in one spray.
• Works in low light: Remains effective even under cloudy weather or low sunlight, unlike many other herbicides that need bright sun.
• Beats resistant weeds: An excellent rotation partner for managing weeds that have developed resistance to glyphosate and other common herbicides.
• Safer for soil: Breaks down rapidly in the soil with low residual toxicity, reducing risk of groundwater contamination and carryover damage to future crops.
• Flexible use: Suitable for cotton, tea gardens, and non-crop areas including industrial sites and farm boundaries.

How It Works

HPM Dhavak is a contact herbicide, meaning it only kills the parts of the weed that it directly touches. It does not travel through the plant's vascular system to roots or other parts. When sprayed onto the green foliage of weeds, the active ingredient Glufosinate Ammonium is absorbed through the leaf surface.

Once inside the plant cells, it blocks the action of a vital enzyme called Glutamine Synthetase. This enzyme is essential for the plant to process nitrogen safely. When this enzyme is inhibited, toxic ammonia builds up rapidly inside the weed cells. This ammonia accumulation destroys the cell structure, disrupts photosynthesis, and causes the plant's energy reserves to collapse. The result is rapid phytotoxicity—visible yellowing and drying of the weed within a few days.

Because Dhavak works through a different biochemical pathway than glyphosate and other common herbicides, it is highly effective against weeds that have developed resistance to other chemical groups. Its contact action also means it does not move through the soil, making it safer for inter-row application in crops like cotton and tea.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand	HPM Dhavak
Active Ingredient	Glufosinate Ammonium 13.5% SL
Chemical Group	Phosphinic Acid
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 10 (Glutamine Synthetase Inhibitor)
Formulation	Soluble Liquid (SL) – Blue Homogeneous Liquid
Category	Non-Selective Contact Herbicide
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
Shelf Life	2 Years (under standard storage conditions)
Available Pack Sizes	100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 Litre
HSN Code	3808
GST Slab	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. Use clean water for mixing. Avoid muddy water as it can reduce efficacy.

Crop / Area	Target Weeds	Dose (ml per Acre)	Water (L per Acre)	Dose (ml per Litre)	PHI (Days)
Cotton	Grasses, Broadleaf weeds, Sedges (Echinochloa spp., Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus spp.)	1000 – 1200 ml	200 L	5 – 6 ml	As per label
Tea	Mixed weed flora (Borreria hispida, Imperata cylindrica, Commelina benghalensis)	1000 – 1300 ml	200 L	5 – 6.5 ml	As per label
Non-Crop Areas	General vegetation (Parthenium, annual & perennial weeds)	1000 – 1200 ml	200 L	5 – 6 ml	–

Note: PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval. Refer to the product leaflet for crop-specific PHI details.

When to Use

Apply HPM Dhavak as a post-emergence spray, meaning after the weeds have sprouted and are actively growing. The best results are achieved when weeds are at the 2–4 leaf stage, as young, actively growing weeds absorb the herbicide more effectively.

For cotton, apply as a directed spray between rows, taking care to avoid contact with crop foliage. In tea gardens, use as a directed spray targeting weed growth around the plantation. For non-crop areas, apply when unwanted vegetation is actively growing.

One of the key advantages of Dhavak is that it works effectively even under cloudy weather or low sunlight conditions, giving farmers flexibility in scheduling sprays. Avoid spraying during rain or when heavy rain is expected within a few hours, as this can wash off the herbicide before it is absorbed.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, and goggles before handling the herbicide.
2. Measure the dose: Use a calibrated measuring container to measure the correct amount of Dhavak based on the crop and weed type (see dosage table above).
3. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank halfway with clean water. Add the measured herbicide, then top up with the remaining water. Mix thoroughly.
4. Select the right nozzle: Use a flat fan or flood jet nozzle for uniform coverage. Ensure the nozzle produces a fine spray for maximum contact with weed leaves.
5. Spray correctly: Apply the solution directly onto weed foliage. Ensure thorough wetting of all weed leaves since this is a contact herbicide—it only kills what it touches. Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift onto your main crop.
6. Protect your crop: In cotton and tea, use a protective hood or shield when spraying near crop plants. Dhavak is non-selective and will damage any green plant it contacts.
7. Clean up: Wash the spray tank and equipment thoroughly after use. Wash hands and exposed skin with soap and water.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal protection: Always wear gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the herbicide.
• Avoid contact: Do not inhale the spray mist. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. If contact occurs, wash immediately with plenty of water.
• Prevent drift: Do not spray on windy days. Avoid spray drift onto nearby crops, water bodies, or grazing areas.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly sealed. Store away from food, animal feed, and drinking water. Keep out of reach of children.
• Disposal: Do not reuse empty containers for any purpose. Dispose of them safely as per local regulations.
• Water safety: Do not contaminate ponds, rivers, or other water sources with the herbicide or its rinse water.
• First aid: In case of accidental poisoning, seek immediate medical attention. There is no specific antidote for glufosinate ammonium poisoning—treat symptomatically.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Shelf Life: 2 years under standard storage conditions (cool, dry place away from direct sunlight).
• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): As per product label for cotton and tea. Refer to the product leaflet for crop-specific waiting period before harvest.
• Storage conditions: Store in original container, tightly sealed, in a cool and dry place. Keep away from food, animal feed, and water sources.