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The History of Herbicides from Ancient Times to Modern-Day

Humans invented and developed agriculture between 7,000 to 10,000 B.C. It was a massive breakthrough that allowed people to establish permanent settlements. Since then the field of agriculture has witnessed countless advancements such as the discovery and development of herbicides to protect crops and increase profits.

In this article, we will explore the rich history of herbicides that spans from ancient time to modern day.

History of Herbicides

Herbicides are a subset of pesticides that are used to inhibit the growth of unwanted plants, such as residential or agricultural weeds and invasive species, through eradication. Weeds reduce the quality and quantity of the crop produced. Cultural treatments, such as adjusting soil pH, salinity, or fertility levels, were utilized for managing weeds before herbicides became popular. Mechanical means, such as tillage, was also used to control weeds.

Herbicides are largely preferred over mechanised weed control because of the easy application techniques and reduction of labour. Most herbicides are also considered non-toxic to humankind and animals.

Invention and development

 In the year 1896, Sinox, the first significant organic chemical herbicide, was synthesised in France. More novel herbicides were developed in the late 1940s, ushering in the “miracle” period of weed eradication as a result of research on the possibilities of herbicides in combat conducted during World War II.

In the history of herbicides,1941 is a significant year because one of the oldest and most widely used herbicide names 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid was discovered and synthesised that year by W. G. Templeman at Imperial Chemical Industries. When 2,4-D herbicide was made available for purchase in 1946, it revolutionised global agricultural productivity and established itself as the first effective selective herbicide. As it eradicates broadleaf plants, but not most grasses, it considerably improved weed management in cereal grass crops including wheat, maize (corn), rice, and others (grasses). 2,4-D herbicide remained one of the most widely used herbicides in the world because of its inexpensive cost.

In just two decades almost 100 novel compounds were designed, synthesised, and popularised. Plant disease and insect pest control were surpassed in terms of economic impact by chemical weed management.

The new herbicides were groundbreaking because they could effectively control weeds at dosage rates as low as one to two kg per hectare thanks to their high toxicity. However Some of those early herbicides, like 2,4,5-T ( 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid) , were eventually determined to be harmful to both humankind and the environment, and they were outlawed in many nations. Herbicides that work sustainably have continued to be produced are used extensively globally.

Modern age of Herbicides

 The modern era of herbicides started with the discovery of glyphosate in the early 1970s in United States at Monsanto. At that time it was used for nonselective weed control and posed no risk to humans or the environment. It also enabled zero tillage farming which helped curb soil erosion. Herbicides are a crucial part of the zero-till farming technique because they can efficiently control weeds that emerge in the crop with just one application.

Herbicide-resistant crops, or HRCs, emerged in agriculture following the widespread use of glyphosate. These plants were genetically altered so that they could tolerate the effects of specific chemical herbicides and eventually develop resistance to them. Glyphosate was one of those herbicides. Herbicides had little effect on HRCs, but they completely eliminated the dangerous weeds that surrounded these crops, making them incredibly effective at chemically controlling weeds. These were useful tools for no-till farming. Nonetheless, because more pesticide is needed for their farming, HRCs continue to remain in controversy.

Classification of modern herbicides

Modern herbicides can be classified into several sections based on their mode of action and time of application.

Mode of action

Based on their mode of action, herbicides are divided into 3 categories: contact herbicides, c, and translocated herbicides. Contact herbicides eradicate weeds by coming into contact with them; systemic herbicides eradicate plants by being transported through and destroying their vascular system; and translocating herbicides solve the weed problem by moving to the site of action through xylem and phloem.

Time of application

Weed killers can be divided into three categories based on their time of application, such as preplant, preemergence, or postemergence. Preplant herbicides are applied before plantation and are incorporated into the farmland; pre emergent herbicides destroy harmful weeds before they grow; and post emergent herbicides kill the weeds that have already germinated.

Herbicides are an effective tool for harvesting healthy crops and increasing profits. Understanding the rich and interesting history of herbicides is essential for learning and applying effective weed control. By learning the history of herbicide, we can shape the future of farming.

A recognized leader in the agro-input industry, Dhanuka Agritech offers a variety of farm solutions and premium agrochemical products to efficiently protect your farmland against parasites, insects, and other harmful pests. To know more about the latest trends, discussions, and practical tips in agriculture and agrochemical products and their usage, visit us at www.dhanuka.com.

 

 

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