Pendimethalin: Pre- and Early Post-Emergence Herbicide for Weed Control

Technical Introduction

Pendimethalin is a dinitroaniline-class herbicide primarily used for pre-emergence and early post-emergence control of annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. It is absorbed mainly through roots and shoots of young seedlings and inhibits cell division, preventing weed establishment.

• Mode of Action (MOA): Disrupts microtubule formation during mitosis, inhibiting cell division and elongation in emerging weed seedlings.

• Selectivity: Tolerated by many crops such as corn, soybeans, cotton, and vegetables.

• Formulations: Typically available as 38–50% EC, 30–40% SC, and technical concentrate (TC) 97–99%.

Applications

• Crops:

  • Corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, vegetables

  • Orchards, turf, non-crop areas for weed management

• Weeds Controlled:

  • Grasses: Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyardgrass), Setaria spp., Digitaria spp.

  • Broadleaf: Amaranthus spp., Chenopodium album, Polygonum spp. (limited control)

• Application Timing:

  • Pre-emergence: Apply to soil before weeds germinate.

  • Early post-emergence: Apply when weeds are <2 cm tall.

  • Requires incorporation into the soil or irrigation for optimum effectiveness.

Advantages

• Broad-Spectrum Control: Effective against annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds.

• Residual Activity: Provides weed control for 6–10 weeks depending on soil type and moisture.

• Crop Safety: Compatible with a wide range of crops when applied at recommended rates.

• Low Volatility: Minimal off-target movement.

• Flexible Formulations: Available in EC, SC, and granular forms for different application methods.

Specifications (Typical Parameters)

FAQ

Q1: Can Pendimethalin be applied post-emergence?
A: Yes, but only to very young weeds (<2 cm). Pre-emergence application is generally more effective.

Q2: How long does it remain active in the soil?
A: Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on soil type, moisture, and organic matter content.

Q3: Is it safe for all crops?
A: Safe for many crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, and vegetables, but always follow recommended rates to avoid crop injury.

Q4: How does it control weeds?
A: Prevents cell division in emerging seedlings, stopping root and shoot growth before the weed can establish.

Q5: Does it affect existing weeds?
A: Limited effect on fully grown weeds; it works mainly on germinating seedlings.