Question

Pendimethalin is used as

• A. Insecticide
• B. Herbicide
• C. Fungicide
• D. Acaricide

Hint:

Pendimethalin = "Stomp" the weeds.
It is a "Pre-emergence" specialist.
In pulses and oilseeds, it is the most popular choice for controlling early-season weed competition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the primary agricultural use of the chemical "Pendimethalin."

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Chemical Nature:
Pendimethalin is an organic compound belonging to the dinitroaniline class of chemicals.
It is commonly sold under trade names like "Stomp" or "Pendi."

• Agricultural Use:
It is a selective herbicide used to control most annual grasses and many broad-leaved weeds.
It is applied as a pre-emergence herbicide, meaning it is applied to the soil before the weed seeds sprout.

• Mode of Action:
It works by inhibiting plant cell division (mitosis). Specifically, it prevents the formation of microtubules, which are necessary for the separation of chromosomes during cell division.
When a weed seed germinates in treated soil, it cannot grow further and dies before it reaches the surface.

• Crop Compatibility:
It is widely used in crops like pulses, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and vegetables because these crops have natural tolerance or are planted deep enough to avoid the herbicide-treated soil layer at the surface.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Pendimethalin is used as a Herbicide.