Back to all pesticides
Pesticide guide

Pendimethalin

Herbicide Pendimethalin

Description

Pendimethalin is a selective pre-emergence herbicide that prevents weeds from growing by stopping their seeds from germinating. The word 'pre-emergence' means you apply it before the weeds come up from the soil, usually right after you plant your crops or before weeds start to grow. The word 'selective' means it can kill weeds while leaving your crops unharmed, but only if you use it on the right crops. When you apply pendimethalin to the soil, it forms a barrier that prevents weed seeds from sprouting. This is very effective because it stops weeds before they even start growing, which is easier than trying to kill them after they've already grown. Pendimethalin works especially well on annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. It's commonly used in crops like cotton, vegetables, and field crops. One of the advantages of pendimethalin is that it has residual activity, which means it continues to work in the soil for several weeks after application, providing ongoing weed control. This means you don't have to spray as often. However, it's important to know that pendimethalin needs to be applied to the soil surface and then mixed into the soil slightly, or it needs to be watered in with rain or irrigation to work properly. If it stays on the surface and dries out, it won't work as well. You can use it on many different crops, but you must check the label to make sure your specific crop is listed. Always wait the required number of days (usually 30-60 days) after application before planting other crops in the same field. Always follow the label instructions and wear protective clothing when using this product.

Application rates

General

1.5-3 liters per hectare

Application method

Soil application

Target pests

Annual grasses Broadleaf weeds Foxtail Barnyard grass Pigweed

Application timing

Pre-emergence: right after planting, before weeds emerge. Must be incorporated into soil or watered in.

Safety period

30-60 days before planting other crops in same field

Precautions

Wear protective equipment. Must be incorporated into soil or watered in. Can damage other crops if not used correctly. Avoid drift. Keep away from water sources.

Crop compatibility

Cotton Vegetables Field crops Fruits

Benefits

  • Pre-emergence control stops weeds before they grow
  • Residual activity provides weeks of weed control
  • Effective against annual grasses and broadleaf weeds
  • Selective action safe for many crops
  • Reduces need for multiple applications
  • Useful for cotton, vegetables, and field crops

Best for

  • Cotton fields
  • Vegetable crops (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers)
  • Field crops (wheat, barley, corn)
  • Fruit orchards
  • Crops requiring pre-emergence weed control

Usage tips

  • Apply right after planting for best results
  • Must be incorporated into soil or watered in
  • Works best when applied before weeds emerge
  • Residual activity means long-lasting control
  • Check label for crop-specific instructions
  • Wait required period before planting other crops

Storage instructions

Store in original container in cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Store away from food, feed, and water sources.

Mixing compatibility

Can be mixed with some other pre-emergence herbicides. Do not mix with alkaline products. Check compatibility before tank mixing.