Abstract
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.