Zura Herbicide: Pretilachlor Rice Weed Control & Safe Use

Zura is a selective pre-emergence paddy herbicide containing Pretilachlor as its active ingredient, widely used to control annual grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds in rice cultivation. It creates a chemical barrier on the soil surface that disrupts weed seedling cell division as they emerge, allowing transplanted and wet direct-seeded paddy to establish without early weed competition. Proper water management in the paddy field is critical to achieving maximum weed control efficacy.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Active ingredient chemistry and mode of action

Active ingredient: Pretilachlor belongs to the chloroacetanilide chemical class (HRAC Group 15).
Biochemical mechanism: Inhibits the synthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in emerging weed seedlings, arresting cell division and shoot elongation.
Selective safety: Transplanted paddy plants with developed root systems tolerate the chemical, while emerging weed sprouts are killed upon contact with the treated soil layer.

Target weed spectrum in paddy fields

Major annual grasses: Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), jungle rice (Echinochloa colona), and Leptochloa chinensis.
Sedges: Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria, and Fimbristylis miliacea.
Broadleaf weeds: Ludwigia parviflora, Eclipta alba, and Monochoria vaginalis.

Application timing and water management protocol

Apply within zero to three days after transplanting paddy seedlings. Maintain a standing water depth of 2 to 3 centimetres in the field for at least 48 to 72 hours following application to preserve the continuous herbicidal film. Avoid draining the field or allowing soil to dry out during this critical window, as soil cracking breaks the chemical weed barrier.

Official source

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Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) ↗

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Common questions

What is the active ingredient in Zura herbicide?

Zura contains Pretilachlor, a selective chloroacetanilide herbicide used for pre-emergence weed management in paddy.

When should Pretilachlor herbicide be applied in rice?

It should be applied within zero to three days of transplanting paddy seedlings, while weed seeds are germinating.

Why is standing water necessary after applying Zura herbicide?

A standing water layer of 2 to 3 centimetres maintains a continuous, uniform chemical barrier on the soil surface that prevents weed seedlings from emerging.

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

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