HPM Prakaram Herbicide - Tembotrione 34.4% SC - Selective Post-Emergent Weed Control for Maize

HPM Prakaram is a selective, post-emergence herbicide specially designed for weed management in maize (corn) crops. It contains Tembotrione 34.4% SC (Suspension Concentrate) as its active ingredient, which belongs to the triketone chemical group. This herbicide targets both grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds that compete with maize for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

What makes HPM Prakaram different is its built-in safener technology called Isoxadifen-ethyl. This safener acts as a biochemical shield that protects the maize crop while the herbicide works on the weeds. The result is effective weed control without harming the crop, even in difficult growing conditions. The product has a systemic mode of action as an HPPD inhibitor, meaning it is absorbed by the weeds and moves within them to stop their growth from the inside.

HPM Prakaram is recommended for use with a surfactant and is rainfast once dry, making it suitable for use even during monsoon conditions. It is ideal for farmers looking for a reliable one-shot solution to keep their maize fields weed-free during the critical early growth stages.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls a wide range of grassy weeds (like barnyard grass, crab grass, goose grass) and broadleaf weeds (like carrot grass, wild amaranth) in a single spray.
• Fast visible action: Weeds start turning white (bleaching effect) within a few days of application, showing clear results quickly.
• Complete crop safety: The built-in Isoxadifen safener protects maize plants from herbicide stress, ensuring zero crop burn or damage.
• Rainfast formula: The SC formulation sticks well to weed leaves and remains effective even if rain occurs after the spray has dried.
• Low residue in soil: Minimal residual effect makes it safer for the environment and for following crops in rotation.
• Higher yields: By eliminating weed competition early, maize plants get full access to sunlight, water, and fertilizers for better growth and yield.
• Flexible application window: Suitable for early to late post-emergence application, giving farmers flexibility in timing.

How It Works

HPM Prakaram works through a unique mode of action that targets the weed's ability to protect itself from sunlight. The active ingredient Tembotrione inhibits the 4-HPPD enzyme, which is essential for producing carotenoids — the protective pigments that shield plants from sun damage. When this enzyme is blocked, the weed cannot produce these pigments.

Without carotenoids, sunlight directly destroys the chlorophyll in the weed's leaves. This causes the weed to turn white — a process called the bleaching effect. Once the chlorophyll is destroyed, the weed can no longer perform photosynthesis (the process of making food from sunlight). The weed stops growing, starves, and eventually dies.

Meanwhile, the maize crop is protected because it absorbs the safener Isoxadifen-ethyl. This safener helps the maize plant rapidly break down the herbicide into harmless compounds. This means the herbicide kills the weeds but leaves the crop green, healthy, and safe. Since it is systemic, the herbicide moves within the weed to reach all parts of the plant for complete control.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	HPM Prakaram
Active Ingredient	Tembotrione 34.4% w/w SC
Formulation Type	SC (Suspension Concentrate)
Chemical Group	Triketone / Benzoylcyclohexanedione
Mode of Action	Systemic (4-HPPD Inhibitor) - IRAC Group 27
Selectivity	Selective (safe for maize)
Time of Application	Post-Emergent
Safener	Isoxadifen-ethyl (built-in)
Toxicity Label	Blue/Yellow (Refer to label)
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage (per acre)	Water (per acre)	Dosage (per 15L pump)
Maize (Corn)	Grasses & Broadleaf Weeds	115 to 120 ml	200 Litres	8 to 9 ml

Dosage per litre of water: Approximately 0.6 ml per litre.

Note: Always use with a surfactant for best results. Apply at the 3 to 5 leaf stage of weeds.

When to Use

Apply HPM Prakaram at the post-emergence stage, when weeds are actively growing and have reached the 3 to 5 leaf stage. This is the ideal time because young, actively growing weeds are most susceptible to the herbicide. Spraying too late when weeds are older and larger may reduce effectiveness.

The product is rainfast once dry, so it can be used even when there is a chance of light rain after application. However, avoid spraying if heavy rains are expected immediately. For best results, apply when the weather is clear and weeds are actively growing. The early post-emergence window is critical — controlling weeds early prevents them from competing with maize for nutrients, water, and sunlight during the crop's most important growth stages.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check weed stage: Ensure weeds are at the 3 to 5 leaf stage and actively growing.
2. Prepare the sprayer: Use a clean knapsack sprayer or power sprayer. Ensure it is free from residues of other chemicals.
3. Shake well: Shake the HPM Prakaram bottle thoroughly before use as it is a suspension concentrate.
4. Mix properly: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the measured dose of Prakaram (115-120 ml per acre or 8-9 ml per 15L pump). Add a recommended surfactant. Add the remaining water and mix well.
5. Spray evenly: Apply as a foliar spray, ensuring thorough coverage of all weed foliage. Use 200 litres of water per acre for uniform coverage.
6. Clean up: After spraying, wash the sprayer thoroughly. Do not dispose of leftover mixture near water bodies.
7. Post-application: Wash hands and all exposed body parts with soap and water. Store any remaining product in a cool, dry place away from children and food.

Compatibility

HPM Prakaram is recommended for use with a surfactant to improve coverage and effectiveness. Always perform a jar test before mixing with any other product if you are unsure about compatibility. Do not mix with alkaline substances. Follow the correct mixing order: fill tank with water first, add surfactant, then add herbicide, and mix thoroughly.

Precautions & Safety

• Read the product label carefully before use.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and spraying.
• Avoid inhalation of spray mist and contact with skin or eyes.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Keep the product in a cool, dry place away from children, pets, and food items.
• Do not apply directly on top of crops — it is a post-emergence herbicide for directed or overall spray on weeds.
• Avoid spray drift to nearby non-target crops or water bodies.
• Dispose of empty containers safely — do not reuse for any purpose.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

The built-in Isoxadifen safener protects maize crops from herbicide stress. However, always test on a small area first when using with new or unfamiliar maize seed varieties. Do not exceed the recommended dosage as over-application may cause crop stress. Avoid spraying under extreme weather conditions such as very high temperatures or drought stress.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Shelf life: 2 years under normal storage conditions.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed.
• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): Refer to the product label for specific PHI information.