Pendimethalin

If your turf is being invaded by broadleaf and grassy weeds, there are several herbicides you can consider to address the issue effectively. One such active ingredient that does a tremendous job against problem weeds is Pendimethalin. This product is popularly known as MSM and is highly regarded in turfgrass management.

This page will share some brief info about Pendimethalin, its mode of action, and why it works so well. You can also use this page to shop our top recommended products containing Pendimethalin.

What is Pendimethalin?

Pendimethalin is a selective herbicide designed to control a broad range of weeds, including annual and perennial grasses, broadleaf, and woody species. Pendimethalin is from the herbicide family dinitroaniline.

Pendimethalin was first registered in 1972 and approved by the EPA for pre-emergent and post-emergent control of a variety of broadleaf and grassy weeds on many crops, including cotton, corn, sorghum, peanuts, rice, beans, peas, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, sunflowers, tobacco, ornamentals, non-bearing fruit and nut crops and vineyards.

Pendimethalin is a systemic herbicide that behaves similarly to the active ingredient Oryzalin in that the chemical interferes with germination and seedling development. It usually comes as either a granular or emulsifiable concentrate. In its original form, Pendimethalin is a crystal-like solid that appears orange-yellowish in color and has a fruity odor.

How Does Pendimethalin Work?

Mode of Action

Pendimethalin’s mode of action is an inhibitor of plant cell division and cell elongation. This means that it prevents the roots and shoots of the target weed from growing. With the weed unable to develop further, it eventually dies.

Benefits of Pendimethalin

Pendimethalin is a selective herbicide, which means that instead of killing all plants the chemical comes into contact with, it kills only target weeds that are labeled to be controlled. Your desired plants and grass will be unharmed.

Use Pendimethalin for weed control on residential and commercial lawns, ornamentals, and crop and non-crop areas where unwanted weeds emerge.

Drawbacks of Pendimethalin

Certain formulations containing Pendimethalin come with a yellowing agent that can stain hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks, so you must be careful where you apply it.

When using the product as a pre-emergent, timing is crucial in keeping seeds from growing. If you put the product down too late, it may not control the targeted weeds. Pendimethalin does not control established weeds.

Is Pendimethalin Safe?

Pendimethalin is safe to use when applied according to label directions. When handling Pendimethalin (or any of the other chemicals we carry), it is recommended to use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) before handling or applying. Gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing should be the minimum standard. Please refer to the label for proper safety instructions.

What To Expect

Pendimethalin-based products are pre-emergents; thus, the product should normally be put down in the early spring. This could be anywhere from early March to late April, depending on what part of the country you are in. After application, you will need to water the treated area with at least a 1/2 inch of water, according to the product label.

You may need to apply a repeat application after 5 to 8 weeks for extended control or where heavy weed infestations are expected.

Featured Products

Pendulum 2G - This product comes in granule form. Pendulum 2G provides weed control at a low cost-per-acre price. Over 335 ornamental species are listed on the label. Pendulum 2G is one of the few herbicides recommended by university specialists that has shown excellent crop safety on annuals, perennials, and woody ornamentals.

Pendulum 3.3 EC - This product is an emulsifiable concentrate. Pendulum 3.3EC herbicide provides pre-emergence control of most annual grasses and certain broadleaf weeds as they germinate in any turfgrass site. This lawn killer can also be used in and around field and container nurseries, established landscape ornamentals and ornamental gardens, groundcovers, and nonbearing fruit and nut trees. It can be applied for general grounds maintenance around parking lots, jogging paths, vacant lots, buildings, and fence lines for superior weed control.