Effective Herbicide Use in Cotton
Cotton is one of the most important cash crops in Maharashtra, but its production cost has been rising year after year. Among the major expenses, weed management is a key concern. Due to a labor shortage, many farmers have turned to herbicides as a solution. This blog provides in-depth information on effective herbicide use in cotton, types of herbicides, and proper spraying methods.
Why Has Herbicide Use Increased?
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Labor shortage and rising wages
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Inability to manage weeds on time
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Increasing input costs
Use of Unofficial Bt Varieties and Associated Challenges Due to labor issues, many farmers are using unauthorized Bt cotton seeds. However, weed control remains a challenge even with traditional varieties. Therefore, the need for effective herbicide use is more critical than ever.
Types of Herbicides and Technical Details
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Pre-emergent Herbicide – Pendimethalin (Booster – Ziller)
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Contains Pendimethalin 38.7% or 30%
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Should be sprayed on dry soil before sowing
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Best results if rainfall occurs after application
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Dosage: 700 ml per acre
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Limitation: Not effective on all weed types
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Selective Herbicide – Pyrithiobac Sodium 10% EC (Booster – Heck)
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Can be applied within 3 days of sowing
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Also effective post-emergence
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Safe for the crop
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Excellent for broadleaf weeds
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Dosage: 300 ml per acre (30 ml per 15-liter pump)
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Grassy Weed Herbicide – Quizalofop-p-ethyl (Booster – Qufop Super)
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10% formulation: 200–250 ml per acre
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5% formulation: 400–500 ml per acre
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Effective on grassy weeds (Haralwal, Kunda, Vinda, etc.)
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Spraying Guidelines:
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Use proper nozzles for standing crops (fan-type spraying)
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Use clean water
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Avoid petrol or battery-operated sprayers
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For cost-saving, target only weed rows if inter-cultivation is already done
Tank Mixing Advice:
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Mixing separate components individually gives better results
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Farmer feedback on premixed herbicides is mixed
Conclusion: Using herbicides is not just about killing weeds – it’s a pathway to improving yield. By choosing the right herbicide, applying it in the correct dosage and at the right time, you can significantly reduce input costs and increase cotton production. Embrace scientific farming practices for sustainable success.