Omega Herbicide (Clodinafop Propargyl 15% WP) by Insecticides India – Post-Emergence Weed Control for Wheat

Omega is a selective post-emergence herbicide developed by Insecticides India Limited (IIL) specifically for wheat farmers. It contains Clodinafop Propargyl 15% WP (Wettable Powder) as its active ingredient. Omega is designed to control stubborn grassy weeds like Phalaris minor (gulli danda) and Avena fatua (wild oats/jangli jai) that compete with wheat crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight.

This herbicide works quickly — visible results can be seen within 48 hours of application. It is a selective herbicide, meaning it targets only grassy weeds while keeping the wheat crop completely safe. Omega comes in a wettable powder formulation that dissolves easily in water, making it simple to mix and apply using standard knapsack or tractor-mounted sprayers. It is recommended for use 30–35 days after sowing, when weeds are at the 2–4 leaf stage and actively growing. By controlling weeds early, Omega helps wheat plants absorb more nutrients and moisture, leading to healthier crops and better yields.

Key Benefits

• Effective weed control: Specifically targets and eliminates Phalaris minor and Avena fatua in wheat fields.
• Fast action: Visible results on weeds within 48 hours of application — weeds stop growing and start decaying.
• Selective and crop-safe: Controls grassy weeds without harming the wheat crop when used at the recommended dose.
• Improves yield: Reduces weed competition, allowing wheat plants to absorb more water, nutrients, and sunlight for better growth and higher yield.
• Easy-to-use formulation: Wettable powder dissolves easily in water, ensuring uniform spray coverage across the field.
• Cost-effective solution: Provides effective weed management at a reasonable cost, offering good return on investment for farmers.
• Suitable for different sprayers: Can be applied using both knapsack sprayers and tractor-mounted sprayers.

How It Works

Omega contains Clodinafop Propargyl, which belongs to the Aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) chemical group of herbicides. It works by inhibiting the ACCase (Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase) enzyme in susceptible grassy weeds. This enzyme is essential for fatty acid synthesis in plants. When Omega is absorbed through the leaves of weeds, it disrupts this process, stopping cell membrane formation and halting growth at the roots and growing points.

Within 48 hours of application, active growth of susceptible weeds ceases. The first visible signs are yellowing (chlorosis) of young leaves, followed by decay of nodes and growing points, and eventually the weed dies. Because Omega is a foliar spray, it is absorbed directly through the leaves and moves within the weed to target the growing points. The herbicide is selective — wheat plants naturally tolerate this mode of action, so the crop remains unaffected while the weeds are controlled.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Water Volume: Mix 160 gm of Omega in 150–200 litres of water per acre for uniform spray coverage.

Application Method: Foliar spray using a knapsack sprayer or tractor-mounted sprayer.

When to Use

Omega should be applied as a post-emergence treatment, which means after the weeds have emerged and are actively growing. The ideal time is 30–35 days after sowing of the wheat crop, when Phalaris minor and other grassy weeds are at the 2–4 leaf stage. At this stage, weeds are young, actively growing, and most susceptible to the herbicide. Applying at the right time ensures maximum weed control and prevents weeds from competing with the wheat crop during its critical growth phase.

Avoid spraying during rain, strong winds, or extreme heat, as these conditions can reduce the effectiveness of the spray and cause drift to non-target areas. Early morning or late evening application is recommended when wind speeds are low.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the spray solution: Take 160 gm of Omega (for 1 acre) and mix it in a small quantity of water to form a smooth paste.
2. Add to spray tank: Fill the knapsack sprayer tank 1/3 to 1/2 full with clean water. Add the paste and stir gently until fully dissolved.
3. Top up with water: Add the remaining water to make the total volume 150–200 litres per acre. Stir well.
4. Spray evenly: Apply the mixture as a uniform foliar spray across the entire wheat field, ensuring good coverage of weed leaves.
5. Timing: Apply 30–35 days after sowing when weeds are at 2–4 leaf stage. Avoid spraying during rain or strong winds.
6. Post-application: Do not enter the field for spraying equipment cleaning until the spray dries. Maintain a 60-day pre-harvest interval after application.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear protective gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and spraying Omega.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during mixing or application.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product.
• Store the product away from food, feed, drinking water, and animal feed.
• Keep out of reach of children, pets, and livestock.
• Dispose of empty packets safely — do not reuse them for any purpose.
• Avoid spray drift to water bodies, as Omega is harmful to fish and aquatic organisms.
• In case of accidental contact with skin or eyes, flush with plenty of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention with the product label.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): 60 days — do not harvest wheat within 60 days of Omega application.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat sources. Keep away from food and water sources.