
Pilot -Pretilachlor 50Ec
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Pilot Herbicide (Pretilachlor 50% EC) by Coromandel
The ultimate "One-Shot" pre-emergence solution for weed-free transplanted rice.
Rice farming is hard work, and manual weeding is expensive. Pilot (Pretilachlor 50% EC) solves this by creating a chemical shield that prevents weeds from growing during the critical first 30 days. Whether you use a sprayer or the popular "Sand Mix" method, Pilot ensures your crop gets all the nutrients it deserves without competing with aggressive grasses.
Best For: Farmers looking to replace expensive manual labor with a cost-effective, broad-spectrum chemical solution in paddy fields.
Why Choose This Product? Key Benefits
- ⏱️Perfect Timing: Designed specifically for the 0 to 4-day window after transplanting to stop weeds before they start.
- ?️Broad-Spectrum Defense: Controls all three major weed types: Grasses (Barnyard grass), Sedges, and Broadleaf weeds.
- ⏳Massive Cost Savings: Reduces weed management costs by nearly 90% compared to manual weeding labor.
- ?️Flexible Application: Works perfectly with the "Sand Mix" method (no spraying required) or conventional sprayers.
- ?Crop Safety: Highly selective to rice when applied in standing water, ensuring no damage to your yield.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Pilot |
| Technical Name | Pretilachlor 50% EC |
| IRAC MoA Code | Group K3 (VLCFA Inhibitor) |
| Chemical Group | Chloroacetamide |
| Formulation | Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) |
| Toxicity Label | Blue Triangle (Moderately Toxic) |
How It Works: Mode of Action
Pilot works by creating a chemical barrier on the soil surface under the water.
- Uptake: It is absorbed primarily by the shoots (coleoptiles) of germinating weeds as they try to grow through the treated water/soil layer.
- Inhibition: It stops the synthesis of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFA) and inhibits cell division within the weed.
- Elimination: The weed seedling's growth is stunted, and it dies before it can ever emerge above the water surface.
Note: Rice is safe because its roots are below the barrier, and it has natural enzymes to break down the chemical.
Target Crops & Pests
| Crop | Target Pest(s) |
|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa spp.) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Sedges (Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria) |
| Transplanted Rice (Paddy) | Broadleaf Weeds (Eclipta alba, Ludwigia) |
Dosage & Application Guide
The Golden Rule: Always follow the "Dose per Acre" for accurate results. The application must be done between 0-4 days of transplanting.
Dosage per Acre, Litre, & Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
| Crop | Dose (ml / Acre) | Water (L / Acre) | Dose (ml / Litre) | PHI (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transplanted Rice | 500 ml - 600 ml | 200 L (or use Sand Mix) | 2.5 ml - 3 ml | 90 Days |
*PHI = Pre-Harvest Interval: The minimum number of days to wait between the last spray and harvesting.
How to Apply: Best Practices
- Timing: Apply strictly within 0 to 4 Days After Transplanting (DAT). It will not kill large, established weeds.
- The "Sand Mix" Method (Recommended): Mix 500ml of Pilot vigorously with 20-25 kg of dry sand. Broadcast this mixture uniformly over the field. This saves labor and equipment costs.
- Coverage & Water: Maintain 2-3 cm of standing water in the field for 5-7 days after application. This prevents the herbicide from evaporating or washing away.
- Safety: Always wear PPE (gloves, mask, goggles). Wash hands thoroughly after use. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Pilot on weeds that have already grown?
No. Pilot is a pre-emergence herbicide. It is designed to prevent weed seeds from germinating. If weeds have already emerged (2-3 leaf stage), you will need a post-emergence herbicide like Bispyribac Sodium.
2. Why do I need standing water in the field?
The water acts as a vehicle to spread the chemical evenly across the soil surface. It also suppresses weed growth naturally. If the field dries out and cracks, weeds may escape the chemical barrier.
3. Is Pilot safe for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)?
Pilot 50% EC is primarily labeled for transplanted rice. For DSR, specific dosages or safeners are often required to avoid damaging the germinating rice seed. Consult an agronomist before using in DSR.
4. Can I mix Pilot with fertilizers?
Yes, many farmers mix Pretilachlor with urea or sand for easier broadcasting. However, ensure the mixture is applied immediately and distributed evenly to avoid "hot spots" of toxicity.
5. Is there an antidote for accidental poisoning?
No, there is no specific antidote. Note to Doctors: Pretilachlor poisoning can mimic Organophosphate symptoms, but it does not inhibit cholinesterase. Treat symptomatically (supportive care).
Safety & Disclaimer
Always read and follow the instructions on the official product label. The information provided here is for guidance only. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during application. Avoid application near fish ponds or water bodies as it is toxic to aquatic life.


