IIL Pendamil Herbicide - Pendimethalin 30% EC for Pre-Emergence Weed Control in Rice, Wheat, Cotton & Soybean

IIL Pendamil is a trusted pre-emergence selective herbicide from Insecticides India Limited (IIL), formulated with Pendimethalin 30% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate). It is designed to stop annual grasses and broadleaf weeds before they emerge from the soil, giving your crop a clean, competition-free start during the critical early growth stages.

Pendamil belongs to the Dinitroaniline chemical group and works by forming a thin chemical barrier on the top layer of the soil. As weed seeds try to germinate, their roots and shoots absorb the herbicide, which stops cell division and kills the weed seedling underground before it ever appears above the surface. This pre-emergence action protects crops like cotton, rice (paddy), wheat, soybean, groundnut, pigeon pea, chilli, onion, and cumin from early weed competition.

By controlling weeds in the first 30–45 days after sowing, Pendamil saves farmers from expensive manual weeding, protects soil nutrients and moisture for the crop, and supports healthier crop establishment and better yields. The product carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label (moderately toxic) and is safe for recommended crops when used as per guidelines.

Key Benefits

• Pre-emergence action – Kills weed seeds as they germinate, stopping weeds before they can compete with your crop
• Long-lasting residual control – Provides weed suppression for 30–45 days, protecting crops during the critical early weeks
• Broad-spectrum weed control – Effectively controls both annual grasses (barnyard grass, jungle rice, crabgrass, Phalaris minor) and broadleaf weeds (Amaranthus, Chenopodium, Trianthema)
• Reduces manual weeding costs – Eliminates or reduces the need for expensive hand weeding during the busy sowing season
• Conserves soil moisture and nutrients – By stopping weeds early, the crop gets full access to water, sunlight, and fertilisers
• Safe for recommended crops – Selective herbicide that does not harm crop seeds sown below the chemical barrier layer
• Versatile across multiple crops – Effective in cotton, rice, wheat, soybean, groundnut, pulses, chilli, onion, and cumin

How It Works

IIL Pendamil works through a three-step process that stops weeds before they can establish. First, when sprayed on the soil surface immediately after sowing, the product forms a thin, continuous chemical film on the top 1–2 inches of the soil. This barrier is created by the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation, which disperses evenly in water and binds to soil particles.

Second, as weed seeds begin to germinate and their roots and shoots try to push through this treated soil layer, they absorb the Pendimethalin active ingredient. The herbicide enters the germinating weed seedling through both root and shoot tissues.

Third, once inside the weed seedling, Pendimethalin acts as a mitotic poison. It binds to tubulin proteins in the plant cells and disrupts microtubule assembly, which stops cell division (mitosis). The roots become swollen and "clubbed" in appearance, and the shoot fails to grow. The weed seedling dies underground before it ever emerges from the soil surface. Crop seeds are sown deeper than the chemical barrier layer, so they remain safe from the herbicide.

It is important to note that Pendamil is a pre-emergence herbicide only. It does not kill weeds that have already emerged and are actively growing. The product must be applied before weed seeds germinate, and the soil must be moist for the herbicide to activate properly.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Note: PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval (minimum days between last spray and harvest). Use a Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzle for uniform coverage. Ensure high water volume (200 L/acre or more) for complete soil coverage and a gap-free chemical barrier.

When to Use

Apply Pendamil within 0 to 3 days after sowing (DAS) or transplanting, before weed seeds have a chance to germinate. The soil must be moist at the time of application for the herbicide to activate properly. If the soil is dry, apply and then give a light irrigation immediately after spraying.

This product is a pre-emergence herbicide only. If weeds have already emerged and are visible above the soil, Pendamil will NOT control them. For best results, ensure the field is well-prepared, level, and free of large soil clods. Large clods create gaps on the soil surface where weed seeds can hide and germinate without contacting the herbicide barrier.

Do not disturb the soil after application. Any tillage, ploughing, or even walking on the treated soil will break the chemical barrier and reduce weed control effectiveness. Always use the "Reverse Walking" technique — spray while walking backward so your footprints do not break the chemical film.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field: Ensure the soil is well-prepared, level, and free of large clods. The field should be weed-free at the time of application.
2. Check soil moisture: The soil must be moist. Apply after pre-sowing irrigation (Rauni) or plan to give a light irrigation within 24–48 hours of spraying if the soil is dry.
3. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing before handling the product. Pendamil can stain skin and clothes yellow/orange.
4. Mix the spray solution: Add the required quantity of Pendamil to water and stir well to form a white emulsion. Use the recommended dose per acre mixed in 200–280 litres of clean water.
5. Spray uniformly: Use a Flat Fan or Flood Jet nozzle. Spray evenly across the entire soil surface. Ensure complete coverage to create a gap-free chemical barrier.
6. Use reverse walking technique: Always walk backward while spraying. This prevents you from stepping on the treated soil and breaking the chemical barrier.
7. Do not disturb soil: After spraying, do not plough, harrow, or disturb the treated soil. Any soil movement will break the herbicide barrier.
8. Clean equipment: Wash all spraying equipment thoroughly with clean water after use.

Compatibility

Pendamil can be tank-mixed with other compatible herbicides for broader weed control. However, always perform a small jar compatibility test before mixing any products in the spray tank. Mix only the quantities needed for immediate use. Do not mix with alkaline substances or products not recommended for tank mixing. Add Pendamil to water first and stir well before adding other products.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing during handling and spraying
• Pendamil leaves a yellow/orange stain on skin and clothes — wear old clothes and avoid contact with skin
• Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food items, and animal feed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Avoid spraying near water bodies, ponds, or drainage channels — this product is toxic to fish and aquatic organisms
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product
• Maintain a re-entry period of 24 hours after application before allowing people or livestock into the treated area
• Dispose of empty containers safely — do not reuse for any purpose

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

When used as per the recommended dosage and application guidelines, Pendamil is not phytotoxic to the listed crops (cotton, rice, wheat, soybean, groundnut, pigeon pea, chilli, onion, cumin). However, do not use on crops not specified on the label. Avoid overdosing, as excessive application may cause crop injury. Do not apply on sandy or very light soils with low organic matter without proper guidance, as leaching may occur.

PHI / REI & Storage