UPL Dost Herbicide (Pendimethalin 30% EC) - Pre-Emergence Weed Control for Cotton, Soybean, Wheat & Paddy

UPL Dost is a selective pre-emergence herbicide from UPL Limited, formulated with Pendimethalin 30% EC. It is designed to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in important Indian crops such as cotton, soybean, wheat, paddy, pigeon pea, groundnut, mustard, onion, and chilli. Dost works by forming a protective barrier in the topsoil that stops weed seeds from germinating, giving your crop a clean, weed-free start during its critical early growth stages.

This herbicide is applied on the soil surface just after sowing and before the first irrigation. It is absorbed by germinating weed seeds and disturbs the process of cell division in the root tips, preventing the formation of new cells and halting weed growth before weeds can compete with your crop. By reducing early weed competition, UPL Dost helps save labour, lowers weeding costs, and supports better crop establishment and yield potential.

UPL Dost is a versatile, soil-applied herbicide suited to both rainfed and irrigated cropping systems. It is available in a liquid EC formulation that is easy to measure, mix, and apply with a knapsack sprayer. For best results, apply it on moist, well-prepared soil as a uniform blanket spray, and follow the label dosage for your specific crop.

Key Benefits

• Controls a wide range of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds before they emerge, protecting the crop during its most vulnerable early stage.
• Forms a soil residual barrier that prevents weed seed germination, keeping the field clean for a longer period.
• Reduces early weed competition, which helps improve crop establishment and supports better yield potential.
• Saves labour and reduces the number of manual weeding rounds, lowering overall weed management costs.
• Works on multiple crops including cotton, soybean, wheat, paddy, pigeon pea, groundnut, mustard, onion, and chilli.
• Liquid EC formulation is easy to measure, mix, and apply uniformly with a knapsack sprayer.
• Suitable for both rainfed and irrigated cropping systems across varied soil and climate conditions.

How It Works

UPL Dost contains Pendimethalin, a dinitroaniline herbicide that works as a selective pre-emergence weed killer. When applied to the soil surface, it forms a thin protective layer in the topsoil. As weed seeds begin to germinate, they come into contact with this herbicide barrier. Pendimethalin is absorbed by the germinating weed seeds and interferes with the process of cell division, known as mitosis, in the root tips. This disruption prevents the formation of new cells and stops root and shoot development, so the weed seedlings die before they can emerge above the soil surface.

Because the herbicide acts on germinating seeds rather than established plants, it is most effective when applied before weeds emerge. It does not effectively control fully grown or mature weeds already present in the field. The low-volatile formulation helps reduce losses, ensuring that more of the active ingredient stays in the soil where it is needed for longer-lasting weed control.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

UPL Dost is applied as a blanket spray on the soil surface. The dosage varies by crop. Use the following crop-wise guidance:

For general application, mix the required dose in 150-200 litres of water per acre and spray uniformly over moist soil. A 15-litre knapsack pump dose is approximately 100 ml per pump. Foliar spray dilution is about 6.5 ml per litre of water. Always refer to the product label for crop-specific dosages.

When to Use

UPL Dost should be applied just after sowing and before the first irrigation, ideally within 0-3 days of sowing. This timing is critical because the herbicide must be in place before weed seeds germinate. Apply on moist, well-prepared soil so the herbicide can spread uniformly and form an effective barrier in the topsoil. Light soil moisture helps activate the product, while extremely dry or cracked soil reduces its activity. Choose a non-windy, no-rain day for application to avoid drift and washing away. Cooler hours such as early morning or late afternoon are ideal for spraying.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field well by levelling and ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
2. Measure the correct dose of UPL Dost for your crop as per the label table.
3. Mix the measured dose in clean water (150-200 litres per acre) in the spray tank and stir well.
4. Spray the solution uniformly over the soil surface as a blanket or carpet application.
5. Walk in the reverse direction while spraying to avoid stepping on the treated area.
6. Do not walk on the sprayed field after application.
7. Give the first irrigation after spraying as per your crop schedule.
8. Do not disturb the treated soil before rainfall or irrigation.

Compatibility

UPL Dost is recommended to be used as a single chemical for best pre-emergence performance. It should not be mixed with other chemicals. If a tank-mix is considered necessary, conduct a small jar test first and follow the product label for safe and compatible combinations. Always seek expert advice before mixing.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear protective gloves, a mask, goggles, and full-sleeve clothing during mixing and spraying.
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling or applying the herbicide.
• Keep children and animals away from sprayed fields.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap after every application.
• Store in a cool, dry, shaded place away from children, animals, food, and water sources.
• Avoid walking on or disturbing the treated soil before rainfall or irrigation.
• Do not apply shortly before crop emergence unless the label permits.
• Dispose of empty containers safely and do not reuse them for any purpose.

PHI / REI & Storage

UPL Dost has a shelf life of 2 years (24 months) from the date of manufacturing. Store the product in a cool, dry, shaded place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, children, and animals. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.