Nichino Pendistar Pendimethalin 30% EC Herbicide - Pre-Emergence Weed Control for Wheat, Cotton, Soybean & Rice

Pendistar is a pre-emergence herbicide manufactured by Nichino India (a subsidiary of Japan's Nihon Nohyaku), containing Pendimethalin 30% EC as its active ingredient. It is designed as the first line of defense against stubborn weeds in Wheat, Cotton, Soybean, Rice, and Pigeon Pea. This liquid emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation creates a chemical barrier on the soil surface that stops weeds before they even sprout, making manual weeding less necessary and helping farmers save time and labor.

Pendistar works by stopping cell division in young weeds. It binds to tubulin proteins, preventing the formation of microtubules needed for cell splitting. As a result, the weed's root tip swells (known as "Club Root"), the weed loses its ability to absorb water, and the seedling dies underground or immediately after trying to break the soil surface. It effectively controls grassy weeds (monocots) like Phalaris minor (Mandusi) and Barnyard grass, as well as broadleaf weeds (dicots) like Chenopodium (Bathua), Amaranthus (Pigweed), and Trianthema (Carpet weed).

Pendistar is a moderately toxic product (Blue Triangle label) and belongs to the Dinitroaniline chemical group with IRAC MoA Code Group 3 (K1). It provides extended residual activity of about 30-45 days, keeping fields clean during the critical crop establishment phase. The product binds tightly to soil particles, reducing leaching into groundwater, and uses advanced "positional selectivity" to keep crop seeds (planted deep) safe while destroying surface weeds. It is available in pack sizes of 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, and 5 litres.

Key Benefits

• Saves time and labor: Stops weed competition early (within 0-3 days of sowing), reducing the need for costly manual weeding later in the season.
• Safe for crops: Advanced "positional selectivity" ensures crop seeds planted deep in the soil remain safe while surface weeds are destroyed.
• Long-lasting control: Provides extended residual activity of 30-45 days, keeping fields clean during the critical crop establishment phase.
• Broad spectrum action: Kills a wide range of weeds including grassy weeds (monocots) and broadleaf weeds (dicots).
• Weather resistant: Binds tightly to soil particles, reducing leaching into groundwater and providing reliable control.
• Economical solution: Reduces dependence on expensive and hard-to-find manual labor for weeding.
• Japanese quality standards: Manufactured by Nichino India, a subsidiary of Japan's Nihon Nohyaku, ensuring reliable quality.

How It Works

Pendistar works by stopping cell division (mitosis) in young weeds. The active ingredient Pendimethalin binds to tubulin proteins in the weed cells, preventing the formation of microtubules that are essential for cell splitting. This disruption causes a chain of events that destroys the weed before it can establish itself.

First, the weed's growth stops because cell division cannot proceed normally. Second, the root tip swells into what is known as "Club Root," and the weed loses its ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Finally, the weed seedling dies underground or immediately after trying to break through the soil surface.

It is important to note that Pendistar is a pre-emergence herbicide. It does not kill established weeds that have already emerged. It must be applied before weeds sprout, creating a chemical barrier on the soil surface that stops weed seeds from germinating. The product requires adequate soil moisture to activate, so it works best when the soil is moist at the time of application.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Always follow the "Dose per Acre" and use sufficient water (200 litres) to create a uniform soil barrier. The dosage varies by crop as shown below:

Note: For Cotton, use the higher dose (1650 ml) for heavy clay/black soils and the lower dose (1000 ml) for light sandy soils.

When to Use

Pendistar must be applied within 0 to 3 days after sowing or transplanting, before weeds emerge. The soil surface must be sprayed before weed seeds sprout for the chemical barrier to be effective.

Ensure the soil has adequate moisture at the time of application. Moisture activates the chemical. If the soil is completely dry, irrigate lightly after application or ensure rain is expected. The spray must form a continuous film on the soil surface. Do not disturb the soil after spraying, as this can break the chemical barrier and allow weeds to grow through.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field: Ensure the field is properly leveled and has adequate soil moisture before application.
2. Measure the dose: Calculate the correct dose per acre based on your crop (refer to the dosage table above).
3. Mix with water: Mix the required amount of Pendistar in 200 litres of water per acre.
4. Use the right nozzle: Use a Flat Fan Nozzle only. Do NOT use hollow cone nozzles.
5. Spray uniformly: Apply the spray so it forms a continuous film on the soil surface. Ensure complete and even coverage.
6. Do not disturb the soil: After spraying, do not till or disturb the soil, as this will break the chemical barrier.
7. Wear protective gear: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles) during mixing and application. This product stains skin and clothes yellow, so wear full protection.

Compatibility

Always follow the label instructions for tank-mix compatibility. If you plan to mix Pendistar with other products, it is advisable to conduct a small jar test first to check for any adverse reactions before full-scale application.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and application.
• This product stains skin and clothes a bright orange/yellow color that is hard to wash off. Always wear gloves and protective clothing.
• Keep the product away from food, drinking water, and animal feed.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use in aquaculture areas as the product is toxic to fish.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling the product.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or applying the product.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Pendistar is toxic to fish. Do not use it in aquaculture areas or allow the spray to drift into water bodies. The product may stain skin and clothing yellow, which is not highly toxic but is difficult to wash off.

PHI / REI & Storage

Shelf Life: 2 Years. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of reach of children and away from food items.