Chemical Class and Photosystem I Electron Diversion
Paraquat belongs to the bipyridylium chemical class (HRAC Group 22). It functions by intercepting electrons from Photosystem I (PSI) during photosynthetic electron transport inside plant chloroplasts.
This electron diversion rapidly generates toxic reactive oxygen species (superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide). These free radicals destroy plant cell membranes within hours under sunlight, causing rapid water soaking, chlorosis, and complete foliar wilting.
- HRAC Group 22 Action: Rapid sunlight-activated generation of free radicals destroying cell membranes.
- Non-Systemic Contact Burndown: Destroys exposed green tissues without translocating into root systems.
- Rapid Rainfastness: Absorbed into foliage within 15 to 30 minutes, preventing wash-off by unexpected rainfall.
Labeled Applications and Target Weeds
Gramoxone is officially registered under CIBRC guidelines for managing weed flushes in rubber and tea plantations, coffee estates, irrigation bunds, and non-agricultural industrial plots.
It is also used for haulm destruction (crop desiccation) in seed potato fields to stop tuber growth at optimal seed size and harden tuber skin before mechanical digging.
- Plantation Weed Management: Effectively knocks down annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in tea, coffee, and rubber rows.
- Potato Haulm Desiccation: Defoliates potato vines uniformly before harvest to minimize tuber skinning.
- Zero Soil Residual: Deactivates immediately upon contact with clay particles in soil, leaving zero residual toxicity.
Stringent Safety Protocols and Safe Handling
Because Paraquat Dichloride is a highly toxic contact chemical, operators must handle it with extreme caution. The commercial product incorporates an emetic agent, a pungent stenching odor, and a distinctive blue-green dye to deter accidental ingestion.
Never apply Gramoxone using leaky sprayers. Operators must wear full personal protective equipment including chemical aprons, face shields, heavy rubber gloves, and rubber gumboots.
- Strict PPE Mandate: Full respiratory, face, skin, and footwear protection required during mixing and application.
- No Drift Allowed: Use protective spray hoods when applying near row crops to avoid drift onto green crop foliage.
- Safe Storage: Keep strictly locked in original packaging away from children, food, and animal feed.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the active technical ingredient in Gramoxone?
Gramoxone contains Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL (Soluble Liquid), a non-selective contact bipyridylium herbicide.
How does Gramoxone destroy green weed leaves so quickly?
It intercepts electrons in Photosystem I under sunlight, producing reactive oxygen radicals that rupture cell membranes within hours.
Does Gramoxone leave residual toxicity in the soil?
No, Paraquat binds strongly and irreversibly to clay minerals and organic matter in soil, rendering it biologically inert upon soil contact.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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