Herbicides

Herbicides are chemicals used to kill weeds or inhibit their growth. According to the latest compilation of registered pesticides under the Insecticide Act of 1968, a total of 33 herbicides have been officially registered in India. Herbicides are classified on the basis of their chemical composition, selectivity, mode of action, site, and time of application. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of diverse instances of herbicides categorized accordingly. The typical herbicide formulations commonly found in the market include water-soluble powders, hydrophilic powder, water-soluble concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates, and granules. The application rates of herbicides are influenced by several factors, including soil composition, weed crop species/varieties, the growth stage of weeds, herbicide formulations, and the duration of weed control programs. The current chapter also examines different methodologies for efficiently managing the proliferation of undesired vegetation, such as foliar spraying, soil application, and seed treatment.

Keywords: Herbicides, Management, Weeds.