IIL Pendamil Super Herbicide – Pendimethalin 38.7% CS for Pre-Emergence Weed Control in Soybean, Cotton & More

IIL Pendamil Super is an advanced pre-emergence selective herbicide from Insecticides India Limited, formulated with Pendimethalin 38.7% CS (Capsule Suspension). It is designed to stop annual grasses and broadleaf weeds before they emerge, giving crops a clean, competition-free start during their most critical early growth stages.

Unlike traditional EC (emulsifiable concentrate) formulations, the capsule suspension technology used in Pendamil Super encapsulates the active ingredient in microscopic shells. This provides controlled, slow release of Pendimethalin, resulting in longer residual activity—up to 45 days—and better stability in soil. The CS formulation also reduces evaporation losses in hot conditions, minimises leaching, and causes no staining on equipment or skin.

Pendamil Super is effective across multiple crops including soybean, cotton, chilli, onion, groundnut, and cumin. It belongs to the Dinitroaniline chemical group and works by inhibiting cell division (mitosis) in germinating weed seeds. The product forms a thin, continuous chemical barrier on the top layer of the soil. As weed seeds germinate and push through this layer, their roots and shoots absorb the herbicide, causing root swelling and preventing further growth—killing the weed seedling before it ever emerges above ground.

This herbicide is ideal for farmers looking to reduce manual weeding costs, protect crop nutrients from early weed competition, and achieve cleaner fields with fewer repeat applications. It carries a Blue Triangle toxicity label (moderately toxic) and has a re-entry period of 24 hours. When used as per recommendations, it is not phytotoxic to the listed crops.

Key Benefits

• Long-lasting residual control – The CS formulation provides weed suppression for up to 45 days, protecting crops during the critical early weeks
• Advanced capsule suspension technology – Slow-release micro-capsules improve stability in soil, reduce evaporation in heat, and prevent UV breakdown
• Broad-spectrum weed control – Effectively targets both annual grasses (barnyard grass, jungle rice, crabgrass, foxtail) and broadleaf weeds (purslane, amaranthus, lambsquarters)
• Maximum crop safety – Water-based CS formula has no harsh solvents, preventing solvent burn on young seedlings
• No staining and low odour – Unlike older Pendimethalin EC formulations, this does not stain skin or equipment yellow and has minimal chemical smell
• Reduces manual weeding costs – Effective pre-emergence control means less labour spent on hand weeding during early crop stages
• Weather resistant – The protective capsule shell prevents volatility losses in hot sun and resists breakdown from UV light

How It Works

Pendamil Super works through a three-step process that stops weeds before they can establish. First, after spraying on the soil surface, the product forms a thin, continuous chemical film on the top layer of the soil. This barrier is created by the capsule suspension formulation, which ensures uniform distribution and better soil adherence compared to older EC formulations.

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 the root and shoot tissues.

Third, once inside the weed seedling, Pendimethalin disrupts cell division (mitosis) by interfering with microtubule formation. This stops the cells from dividing properly. 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.

It is important to note that Pendamil Super 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. Do not use low water volume—at least 150 litres per acre is needed to create a gap-free barrier on the soil.

When to Use

Apply Pendamil Super within 0 to 3 days of sowing 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 Super will NOT control them. For best results, ensure the field is well-prepared, level, and free of large soil clods. Large clods create "shadows" 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 or soil movement will break the chemical barrier and reduce weed control effectiveness.

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. If dry, plan to apply and then give a light irrigation immediately after spraying.
3. Wear protective gear: Put on gloves, a mask, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing before handling the product.
4. Shake the container: Shake the Pendamil Super container well before opening to ensure the capsule suspension is properly mixed.
5. Mix the spray solution: Mix 600–700 ml of Pendamil Super in 150–200 litres of clean water per acre. For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer, use approximately 60–70 ml of product.
6. Stir thoroughly: Stir the mixture well to ensure uniform dispersion of the capsules in water.
7. 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.
8. Do not disturb soil: After spraying, do not plough, harrow, or disturb the treated soil. Any soil movement will break the herbicide barrier.
9. Clean equipment: Wash all spraying equipment thoroughly with clean water after use.

Compatibility

Pendamil Super is often tank-mixed with Imazethapyr for broader weed control in soybeans and pulses. 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.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing during handling and spraying
• 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 Super is not phytotoxic to the listed crops (soybean, cotton, chilli, onion, groundnut, 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