IIL Super Racer Pretilachlor 37% WG Herbicide - Pre-Emergence for Transplanted Rice

IIL Super Racer is a pre-emergence selective herbicide from Insecticides (India) Ltd, specially formulated for transplanted rice (paddy). It contains Pretilachlor 37% WG (Water Dispersible Granule), a modern solvent-free formulation that provides effective control against a wide range of weeds including annual grasses, broadleaf weeds, and sedges. Super Racer is designed to be applied immediately after transplanting, preventing weed seeds from germinating and giving your young rice crop a clean, competition-free start.

Weeds are one of the biggest problems in paddy fields. If not controlled early, they compete with rice seedlings for water, sunlight, and nutrients, leading to poor crop establishment and lower yields. Manual weeding is expensive, labour-intensive, and often not done at the right time. Super Racer solves this problem by creating a protective chemical barrier in the soil that stops weeds before they can emerge. Its advanced WG formulation ensures even distribution, excellent crop safety, and long-lasting residual activity. Rice plants can naturally detoxify Pretilachlor, making this product safe for your crop while deadly to weeds.

Super Racer is ideal for farmers looking for a labour-saving, reliable, and cost-effective weed management solution. With just one timely application, you can replace the need for multiple rounds of manual weeding, saving both time and money while ensuring better crop establishment and higher yields.

Key Benefits

• Prevents weeds before they emerge – Applied within 0-5 days after transplanting, it stops weed seeds from germinating, giving rice seedlings a clean start.
• Broad-spectrum weed control – Effectively controls annual grasses (like Barnyard grass), broadleaf weeds, and sedges commonly found in paddy fields.
• Excellent crop safety – The solvent-free 37% WG formulation does not cause leaf burn or stunting, unlike older 50% EC formulations. Rice plants naturally detoxify the chemical.
• Long-lasting residual effect – One application provides season-long protection, keeping fields weed-free during the critical early growth stage.
• Saves labour and money – One application replaces expensive manual weeding, saving significant labour costs per acre.
• Works in standing water – Designed to disperse rapidly in puddle water and form a protective barrier over the soil surface.
• Easy to use – Can be applied as a spray or mixed with sand/urea for broadcasting. Compatible with standard application methods.

How It Works

Super Racer contains Pretilachlor, which belongs to the chloroacetamide chemical group (IRAC Group 15 / K3). It works by inhibiting the production of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFA) in germinating weed seeds. These fatty acids are essential for cell division and growth in young weed seedlings.

When applied to the field, the herbicide is rapidly absorbed by the shoots (coleoptile) of germinating weeds as they try to grow through the treated soil layer. Once absorbed, it stops cell division and enlargement inside the weed seedling. The weed seedling dies before it can emerge above the water or soil surface, ensuring a clean field from the start.

Rice plants are naturally able to detoxify Pretilachlor through metabolic processes, which is why the product is highly selective and safe for the crop while being deadly to weeds. This selective action is what makes Super Racer a preferred choice among rice farmers.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	IIL Super Racer
Technical Name	Pretilachlor 37% WG
Formulation	Water Dispersible Granules (WG)
Chemical Group	Chloroacetamide
IRAC Mode of Action Code	Group 15 (K3)
Type	Pre-emergence selective herbicide
Toxicity Label	Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic)
Manufacturer	Insecticides (India) Ltd
Country of Origin	India

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Application Method	Dose per Acre	Water Volume	Dose per Litre
Transplanted Rice	Sand Mix (Broadcasting)	600 ml (or g)	Mix with 10-20 kg dry sand or urea	--
Transplanted Rice	Spray Application	600 ml (or g)	200 Litres per acre	3 ml per litre

When to Use

Super Racer must be applied as a pre-emergence treatment within 0 to 5 days after transplanting rice seedlings. This is the most critical window for application. The herbicide works best before weed seeds have started germinating. Effectiveness drops significantly if applied after this window.

At the time of application, ensure the field has 2-3 cm of standing water. Maintain this water level for at least 48-72 hours (2-3 days) after application without draining. This standing water helps the herbicide disperse evenly and form a protective chemical barrier over the soil surface where weed seeds are present.

Do not apply after weeds have already emerged. Super Racer is a pre-emergence herbicide and will not kill established weeds.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field: After transplanting rice seedlings, ensure the field has 2-3 cm of standing water.
2. Choose your application method:
   • Sand Mix Method: Mix 600 ml of Super Racer with 10-20 kg of dry sand or urea. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
   • Spray Method: Mix 3 ml of Super Racer per litre of water. For one acre, use 600 ml of product in 200 litres of water.
3. Apply evenly: Broadcast the sand mix uniformly across the field, or spray evenly using a standard knapsack sprayer.
4. Maintain water level: Do not drain the field for at least 2-3 days after application. If the water level drops, add water gently to maintain 2-3 cm standing water.
5. Post-application care: After 3 days, normal water management can resume. The herbicide will remain active in the soil to prevent weed germination.
6. Safety during application: Wear gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and applying the product. Wash hands thoroughly after use.

Precautions & Safety

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying the product.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling or applying the product.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from food, animal feed, and children's reach.
• Environmental safety: Do not drain treated field water into fish ponds or water bodies. The product is toxic to fish.
• Do not use in aquaculture: Avoid using near fish farms or shrimp ponds.
• Follow label instructions: Always read and follow the directions and safety guidelines provided on the product label.

Compatibility

Super Racer is a pre-emergence herbicide applied within 0-5 days after transplanting. It is generally not mixed with post-emergence herbicides like Bispyribac Sodium, as their application timings are different. Bispyribac Sodium is typically applied later (15-25 days after transplanting). Always follow the recommended application timing for each product. If tank mixing with other products is considered, perform a jar test first and consult your local agriculture officer.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

• The 37% WG formulation is solvent-free and significantly safer for rice crops compared to older 50% EC formulations. It does not cause leaf burn or stunting when used at recommended doses.
• Rice plants naturally detoxify Pretilachlor, making the product highly selective and safe for the crop.
• Effectiveness may reduce if applied after the recommended 0-5 day window or if standing water is not maintained.
• Toxic to fish. Avoid runoff into fish ponds and water bodies.

PHI / REI & Storage

• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): Not applicable for pre-emergence use as the product degrades well before harvest.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Keep away from food, animal feed, and children.