Racer Herbicide (Pretilachlor 50% EC) - Pre-Emergence Weed Control for Paddy by Insecticides India Ltd

Racer is a broad-spectrum, selective, pre-emergence herbicide manufactured by Insecticides India Limited (IIL). It contains Pretilachlor 50% EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) as its active ingredient. Racer is specifically designed for use in paddy (transplanted rice) fields to control a wide range of weeds including annual grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds before they emerge and compete with the crop.

As a pre-emergence herbicide, Racer works by creating a chemical barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from germinating and establishing. It is absorbed by the shoots of germinating weeds through the hypocotyls, mesocotyls, and coleoptiles, and inhibits cell division — effectively stopping weeds before they can grow above the soil or water surface. This early intervention is critical because the first 30–50 days after transplanting are the most sensitive period for weed competition in paddy fields.

Racer provides long-lasting weed control for up to 50 days with a single application. It is safe for transplanted paddy when used at the recommended dosage and timing. The product is available in multiple pack sizes including 250 ml, 500 ml, and 1000 ml bottles, making it suitable for small and large farms alike. Racer is classified under the Green Triangle toxicity category, indicating relatively low toxicity when handled and used correctly.

Key Benefits

• Broad-spectrum weed control: Effectively controls annual grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds in paddy fields with a single application.
• Long-lasting protection: Provides weed-free conditions for up to 50 days, covering the critical early growth period of the crop.
• Safe for transplanted paddy: Selective action targets weeds without harming the rice crop when used at recommended doses.
• Reduces manual weeding costs: One application of Racer can replace expensive and labour-intensive manual weeding, saving significant time and money.
• Easy to apply: The EC formulation mixes easily with water and can be applied using standard knapsack sprayers.
• Improves crop establishment: By removing early weed competition, rice seedlings establish faster and grow more vigorously, leading to better yields.

How It Works

Racer contains Pretilachlor, which belongs to the chloroacetamide chemical group of herbicides. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in germinating weed seeds. These fatty acids are essential for cell division and cell elongation in young weed seedlings.

When applied to the field after transplanting, Racer forms a herbicidal layer in the topsoil. As weed seeds begin to germinate, the young shoots (coleoptiles, hypocotyls, and mesocotyls) absorb the active ingredient. Once inside the weed seedling, Pretilachlor stops cell division and prevents the weed from growing further. The weed seedling dies before it can emerge above the soil or water surface.

Rice plants have a natural ability to detoxify Pretilachlor through metabolic processes, which is why the herbicide is selective and safe for the crop. This selective detoxification does not occur in target weeds, making Racer an effective tool for clean, weed-free paddy fields.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Racer Herbicide
Brand	Insecticides India Limited (IIL)
Active Ingredient	Pretilachlor 50% EC
Formulation	Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
Chemical Group	Chloroacetamide
Mode of Action	Pre-emergence, inhibits cell division in germinating weeds
IRAC MoA Code	Group 15 (K3)
Toxicity Classification	Green Triangle (Low to moderately toxic)
Packaging Sizes	250 ml, 500 ml, 1000 ml
Shelf Life	2 years
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Recommended Dosage & Application

Crop	Target Weeds	Dosage per Acre	Dosage per Litre of Water	Water Volume per Acre	Application Time
Transplanted Paddy (Rice)	Annual grasses (Echinochloa spp.), Sedges (Cyperus iria, Cyperus difformis, Fimbristylis miliacea), Broadleaf weeds (Ludwigia parviflora, Panicum repens)	400–500 ml per acre	2.0–2.5 ml per litre of water	200 litres per acre	Within 0–5 days after transplanting (pre-emergence)

Note: For sand mix application, mix 600 ml of product with 10–20 kg of dry sand or urea and broadcast evenly over the field. Ensure 2–3 cm of standing water at the time of application and maintain it for 2–3 days without draining.

When to Use

Racer should be applied as a pre-emergence herbicide within 0 to 5 days after transplanting paddy seedlings. This is the most critical window for application because weed seeds start germinating soon after field preparation and transplanting. Applying Racer during this period ensures that the herbicide is present in the soil before weed seeds germinate, creating an effective chemical barrier.

For best results, apply Racer when the field has 2–3 cm of standing water. The standing water helps distribute the herbicide evenly across the field and maintains the chemical layer in the topsoil where weed seeds germinate. After application, do not drain the water for at least 48–72 hours to allow the herbicide to work effectively.

Choose a calm day with no strong wind or rain forecast to apply Racer. Early morning or late afternoon hours are ideal for spraying to avoid drift and evaporation. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected as it may wash the product out of the field.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field: Ensure the paddy field is properly levelled with 2–3 cm of standing water after transplanting.
2. Shake well: Shake the Racer container thoroughly before use to ensure the formulation is well mixed.
3. Measure the dose: For spray application, measure 400–500 ml of Racer per acre. For a 15-litre knapsack sprayer, use 30–37.5 ml of Racer (2.0–2.5 ml per litre of water).
4. Mix with water: Fill the spray tank halfway with clean water, add the measured amount of Racer, then fill the remaining water. Mix thoroughly.
5. Apply evenly: Spray the mixture uniformly across the entire field using a knapsack sprayer fitted with a flat fan nozzle. Ensure complete coverage.
6. Maintain water level: Keep 2–3 cm of standing water in the field for at least 2–3 days after application. Do not drain or let the water overflow.
7. Post-application care: Do not disturb the soil after application as this may break the herbicidal layer and reduce effectiveness.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear protective clothing, gloves, mask, and goggles during mixing and application.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or spraying the product.
• Keep out of reach of children, pets, and livestock.
• Do not apply during windy conditions to prevent spray drift to non-target areas.
• Store in the original container, tightly closed, in a cool and dry place away from food, feed, and animal feed.
• Do not drain water from treated fields into fish ponds or water bodies as the product is toxic to fish.
• Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Racer is safe for transplanted paddy when used at the recommended dosage and within the specified application window. However, the older 50% EC formulation may cause slight leaf tip burn or temporary stunting in sensitive rice varieties if applied at higher than recommended doses or under stress conditions. Always follow the recommended dose and timing to avoid any crop injury. The product is toxic to fish and aquatic organisms — do not allow runoff or drained water from treated fields to enter water bodies.

PHI / REI & Storage

• Shelf Life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly.
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed.
• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): Not applicable for pre-emergence use as the product degrades well before harvest.