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

IIL Hit 44 is a trusted, systemic post-emergence herbicide from Insecticides (India) Limited, formulated with 2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC. It is a selective broad-spectrum herbicide designed to effectively control a wide range of broadleaf weeds and sedges in major cereal and field crops such as wheat, maize, sugarcane, and paddy. The oil-based ester formulation ensures fast penetration through the waxy surface of tough weeds, delivering deep systemic action for complete weed kill and long-lasting field cleanliness.

Hit 44 belongs to the phenoxycarboxylic acid chemical group and acts as a synthetic auxin mimic (IRAC Group 4/Group O). It is absorbed quickly by weed foliage and translocates to the growing points, disrupting normal growth and killing the weed from roots to shoots. This makes it a highly effective and economical solution for farmers looking to reduce manual weeding labor and protect crop yields from weed competition.

With its rainfast properties and proven performance against stubborn weeds like Bathua, Wild Onion, Carpet Weed, and even Water Hyacinth in aquatic areas, IIL Hit 44 is a reliable choice for clean fields and higher productivity. The product is classified as moderately toxic, and proper safety precautions must be followed during handling and application.

Key Benefits

• Fast penetration of tough weeds: The ethyl ester formulation cuts through waxy weed leaves faster than salt-based herbicides, ensuring quicker action.
• Systemic root-to-shoot kill: The herbicide travels through the weed's vascular system to roots and growing points, preventing regrowth.
• Rainfast protection: Rapid leaf absorption reduces the risk of wash-off from unexpected rain, giving farmers more application flexibility.
• Selective action on cereal crops: Safe for wheat, maize, and sugarcane when applied at the correct stage, while effectively killing broadleaf weeds.
• Reduces manual weeding costs: One effective spray replaces multiple rounds of labor-intensive hand weeding, saving time and money.
• Versatile across crops and aquatic areas: Effective in wheat, maize, sugarcane, paddy, and even for controlling Water Hyacinth in water bodies.
• Economical tractor brand reliability: High-quality product from Insecticides (India) Ltd at a competitive price point for Indian farmers.

How It Works

IIL Hit 44 works as a synthetic auxin mimic. Auxins are natural plant growth hormones that regulate cell division and elongation. When Hit 44 is sprayed on weeds, it delivers an overdose of this hormone-like compound, tricking the weed into uncontrolled and chaotic growth.

First, the ethyl ester formulation is rapidly absorbed through the waxy cuticle of weed leaves. Once inside, it translocates through the phloem to the actively growing points (meristems) in the roots and shoots. There, it disrupts normal cell division, causing stems to twist and curl (a condition called epinasty), leaves to deform, and the vascular system to collapse. This blocks the transport of water and nutrients throughout the weed, eventually starving it to death.

Cereal crops like wheat and maize are naturally able to metabolize and detoxify 2,4-D quickly, which is why the herbicide remains selective—it kills the broadleaf weeds while leaving the crop unharmed when applied at the correct stage and dosage.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Brand Name	Hit 44
Manufacturer	Insecticides (India) Ltd
Technical Name	2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% EC
Formulation	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
Chemical Group	Phenoxycarboxylic Acid
IRAC MoA Code	Group 4 (Synthetic Auxin) / Group O
Toxicity Label	Moderately Toxic
HSN Code	38089199
GST Rate	18%

Recommended Dosage & Application

Always follow the dose per acre for accurate results. Too little will not kill weeds effectively, and too much may harm the crop. Use clean water for mixing.

Crop	Dose (ml/Acre)	Water (L/Acre)	Dose (ml/Litre)	PHI (Days)
Wheat	530 - 890 ml	150 - 200 L	3.5 - 4.5 ml	--
Maize	1000 - 1100 ml	150 - 200 L	5 - 6 ml	50 - 60
Sugarcane	1400 - 2100 ml	200 - 250 L	7 - 10 ml	300 - 330

Mixing instructions: Add the required quantity of Hit 44 to a small amount of water, mix well, and then add to the main tank. Stir thoroughly to maintain a stable emulsion before spraying.

When to Use

Wheat: Apply strictly between 30 to 40 Days After Sowing (DAS). Spraying too early can damage the young crop, while spraying too late (after the jointing stage) can cause earhead deformity and grain loss. Weeds should be in the 2-4 leaf stage for maximum effectiveness.

Maize: Apply as a post-emergence spray when weeds are small and actively growing. Use directed spray (hooded or drop nozzles) to aim between rows and avoid spraying into the central whorl of the maize plant, which can cause stem brittleness or "onion-leafing."

Sugarcane: Apply as per the agronomic schedule, targeting actively growing broadleaf weeds. Use higher water volume (200-250 L/acre) for thorough coverage.

General: Avoid spraying under strong wind conditions or when rain is expected within 4-6 hours. Do not spray during extreme heat or when the crop is under moisture stress.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Check the weather: Ensure no rain is forecast for at least 4-6 hours after spraying. Avoid windy conditions to prevent spray drift.
2. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, and goggles before handling the product.
3. Calculate the dose: Measure the correct amount of Hit 44 based on your crop and field size using the dosage table above.
4. Prepare the spray solution: Fill the spray tank with half the required water. Add the measured quantity of Hit 44 and stir well. Add the remaining water and mix thoroughly.
5. Spray evenly: Apply the mixture uniformly over the crop canopy, ensuring good coverage of weed foliage. In maize, use directed spray between rows.
6. Clean equipment: After spraying, thoroughly wash the spray tank and nozzles with clean water. Do not dispose of wash water near water bodies or sensitive crops.
7. Post-application care: Keep children and animals away from the sprayed area until the spray has dried completely.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal protection: Always wear full PPE including gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and spraying.
• Drift management: 2,4-D Ester is volatile. DO NOT spray if sensitive broadleaf crops like Cotton, Okra, Tomato, Grapes, or Pulses are nearby. Vapors can travel and cause severe damage to these crops.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, feed, drinking water, and children. Keep the container tightly sealed.
• Environmental safety: Avoid spray drift onto water bodies, non-target areas, and beneficial vegetation.
• Handling: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product. Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after use.
• First aid: In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical help. There is no specific antidote; treatment is symptomatic and supportive (gastric lavage, alkaline diuresis). If swallowed and conscious, induce vomiting only on medical advice.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• 2,4-D is highly toxic to broadleaf crops. Even small amounts of spray drift or vapor can cause severe damage to sensitive crops like cotton, tomato, okra, grapes, and pulses.
• In maize, spraying directly into the leaf whorl can cause "onion-leafing" (twisted, fused leaves) or stem brittleness. Use directed spray to avoid this.
• In wheat, application after the jointing stage can cause earhead deformity and reduce grain yield.
• This product does not control grassy weeds like Phalaris minor (Gulli Danda). It is specific to broadleaf weeds and sedges only.

PHI / REI & Storage

Crop	PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Wheat	Not specified
Maize	50 - 60 days
Sugarcane	300 - 330 days

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, food, and animal feed. Keep out of reach of children.