HPM Heera 44 - 2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC Herbicide for Broadleaf Weed Control in Wheat, Maize, Sugarcane

HPM Heera 44 is a post-emergent, selective systemic herbicide containing 2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC. It belongs to the Phenoxycarboxylic Acid chemical group and is classified under IRAC Mode of Action Group 4 (Synthetic Auxins). This herbicide is specifically designed to control a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds and certain sedges in major crops like Wheat, Maize, Rice, Sugarcane, Sorghum, and Potato, as well as in aquatic and non-crop areas.

The 2,4-D Ethyl Ester formulation is an oil-based emulsifiable concentrate (EC) that mixes with water to form a stable milky-white emulsion. Unlike salt-based formulations, the ester form penetrates the waxy leaf surface of weeds more rapidly, leading to faster absorption and quicker results. Once absorbed, the herbicide moves systemically through the weed's vascular system, reaching the roots and growing points to ensure complete control from the inside out.

HPM Heera 44 works by mimicking natural plant growth hormones (auxins) at much higher concentrations, causing uncontrolled and chaotic growth in susceptible weeds. This leads to stem twisting, curling, and eventual death of the weed. Crops like wheat and maize have natural enzymes that detoxify this chemical, making the product selective and safe for the main crop when used at the recommended dosage and timing. This herbicide is a trusted solution for farmers dealing with stubborn broadleaf weeds like Bathua (Chenopodium album), Motha (Cyperus rotundus), and many others that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls a wide range of broadleaf weeds including Bathua, Motha, Senji, Piazi, and many more in one application.
• Fast penetration and absorption: The Ethyl Ester formulation cuts through the waxy coating of weed leaves rapidly, ensuring quick uptake even in tough conditions.
• Systemic action for complete kill: Travels through the weed's system to reach roots and rhizomes, preventing regrowth and providing long-lasting control.
• Selective and crop-safe: When applied at the right stage and dosage, it targets only the weeds while leaving the main crop unharmed.
• Rainfast within 1-2 hours: Due to rapid absorption, the product remains effective even if light rain occurs shortly after spraying.
• Improves soil health indirectly: By eliminating weed competition, the crop gets better access to soil moisture and nutrients, leading to healthier growth.
• Easy-to-use liquid formulation: The EC formulation mixes easily with water and can be applied with standard knapsack sprayers.

How It Works

HPM Heera 44 contains 2,4-D Ethyl Ester, which acts as a synthetic auxin (plant growth hormone). When sprayed on weeds, the ester formulation is rapidly absorbed through the leaves and stems. From there, it is translocated (moved) through the plant's vascular system to the meristematic regions — the actively growing tips of shoots and roots.

Inside the weed, 2,4-D mimics the natural auxin hormone but at much higher concentrations. This triggers uncontrolled, chaotic cell division and growth. The weed's stems begin to twist and curl (a condition called epinasty), the nutrient transport system gets blocked, and the plant's growth becomes disorganized. Over several days, the weed stops growing, starves, and eventually dies. The systemic nature of this herbicide ensures that even the root system and underground rhizomes are affected, preventing the weed from regrowing.

Crops like wheat, maize, and sugarcane have natural enzymatic mechanisms that can break down and detoxify 2,4-D, making them tolerant to the herbicide. This selectivity allows farmers to control weeds in the crop field without damaging the main crop, provided the application is done at the correct growth stage and recommended dosage.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	HPM Heera 44
Technical Name	2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC
Formulation Type	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
Chemical Group	Phenoxycarboxylic Acid
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 4 (Synthetic Auxins)
Mode of Action	Selective, Systemic, Post-emergent
Toxicity Label	Moderately Hazardous (Yellow/Blue Triangle)
Manufacturer	HPM Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.
Shelf Life	24 months under normal storage conditions
Pack Sizes Available	250 ml, 500 ml, 1 Litre

Recommended Dosage & Application

The dosage of HPM Heera 44 varies by crop and weed infestation level. Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. Use a knapsack sprayer with a flat fan nozzle for even coverage.

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage per Acre	Water Volume per Acre
Wheat	Chenopodium Album (Bathua), Fumaria Parviflora, Melilotus Alba (Senji), Vicia Sativa, Asphodelus Tenuifolius (Piazi), Convolvulus Arvensis	300 to 500 ml	180 to 200 L
Maize	Trianthema Monogyna, Amaranthus Sp., Tribulus Terrestris, Boerhaavia Diffusa, Euphorbia Hirta, Portulaca Oleracea, Cyperus Sp.	600 ml	160 to 180 L
Sugarcane	Cyperus Iria, Digitaria Sp., Dactyloctenium Aegyptium, Digera Arvensis, Portulaca Oleracea, Commelina Benghalensis, Convolvulus Arvensis	300 to 500 ml	200 L
Sorghum	Cyperus Iria, Digera Arvensis, Convolvulus Arvensis, Trianthema Sp., Tridax Procumbens, Euphorbia Hirta, Phyllanthus Niruri	600 ml	160 to 180 L
Potato	Chenopodium Album, Asphodelus Tenuifolius, Anagallis Arvensis, Convolvulus Arvensis, Cyperus Iria, Portulaca Oleracea	500 ml	180 to 200 L
Aquatic Weeds / Non-Crop Areas	Eichhornia Crassipes (Water Hyacinth), Parthenium Hysterophorus, Cyperus Rotundus	600 ml	As required for coverage

Note: For maize, some sources indicate a dosage range of 600 to 1000 ml per acre depending on weed pressure. Always refer to the product label for the most accurate recommendation for your specific condition.

When to Use

HPM Heera 44 is a post-emergent herbicide, meaning it should be applied after the weeds have emerged and are actively growing. The ideal time for application is between 30 to 40 days after sowing (DAS) for most crops.

For wheat specifically, apply when the crop is in the tillering stage. Avoid spraying too early during the seedling stage or too late during the booting stage, as this may cause crop injury. Ensure sufficient soil moisture is present at the time of application, as herbicides work best on actively growing weeds. Moisture helps the weed absorb the chemical and transport it to the roots for complete kill.

For best results, apply when weeds are young and actively growing (2 to 4 leaf stage). Avoid spraying during extreme heat, drought stress, or when rain is expected within 1-2 hours. The ester formulation is rainfast within 1-2 hours of application due to rapid absorption.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check the weather: Ensure no rain is expected for at least 2 hours after spraying. Ideal conditions are clear, calm weather with adequate soil moisture.
2. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required amount of clean water. Add the measured quantity of HPM Heera 44 as per the recommended dosage for your crop. Mix thoroughly to form a stable milky-white emulsion. Add the remaining water and mix again.
3. Calibrate your sprayer: Use a knapsack sprayer fitted with a flat fan nozzle. Ensure the sprayer is clean and properly calibrated for even coverage.
4. Apply as foliar spray: Spray uniformly over the crop canopy, ensuring good coverage of the weed foliage. Avoid excessive runoff.
5. Post-application care: Do not enter the sprayed area until the spray solution has dried. Wash the sprayer thoroughly after use with water and a cleaning agent.
6. Clean up: Wash hands, face, and all exposed body parts with soap and water after handling and spraying.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and spraying.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or applying the product.
• Store the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food, feed, and out of reach of children and animals.
• Do not spray if sensitive crops like Cotton, Okra, Tomatoes, Grapes, or Citrus are growing nearby, as 2,4-D vapors can drift and damage these crops.
• Avoid spray drift to water bodies, ponds, and non-target areas.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Dispose of empty containers safely — do not reuse for any purpose.
• Do not overuse the product as it may harm the crops.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• 2,4-D is highly sensitive to broadleaf crops like Cotton, Okra, Tomatoes, Grapes, and Citrus. Even vapor drift from nearby fields can cause severe damage to these crops.
• Applying too early (seedling stage) or too late (booting stage) in wheat may cause crop injury.
• Spraying under extreme heat or drought stress may reduce effectiveness and increase risk of crop stress.
• Always follow recommended dosage — over-application can lead to crop damage and environmental concerns.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Shelf Life: 24 months (2 years) under normal storage conditions.
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): Refer to the product label for crop-specific PHI values.