Top 10 Herbicides for Weed Control in Indian Agriculture

Weeds are capable of silently reducing our yield and profits even though they seem like a part of the crop. They can also harm soil health and waste our investment. That is exactly why we must choose the right herbicide for weed control. 

Here, we will explore our common Indian herbicides, their types, and responsible usage. By knowing the proper weed management practices, we can save effort, achieve better harvests, and protect our crops every season. 

A research by the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) states that weeds are responsible for up to 33% of yield loss in rice. That is more than pests (26%) and diseases (20%). The ICAR-NRRI research also shows advanced approaches for weed management.

Why Weed Management is Crucial in Indian Agriculture

Weeds lead to 15% to 30% yield losses in Indian crops. If left unmanaged, these losses can go up as high as 45% in oilseeds and pulses. They compete with actual valuable plants for resources like essential nutrients, water and sunlight. Smaller farms already have comparatively competitive resources and should preserve them.

The rising labour costs in India have made manual weeding costly and unsustainable for many. Unmanaged weeds can also act as a shelter for pathogens and pests. This further leads to worse disease outbreaks, especially in crops like sugarcane, paddy, and cotton. Using a herbicide for weed control, therefore, becomes a necessity, not an option. 

A proper plan and structure, when combined with herbicides for weed control, can lead to increased profits. Weed management strategies include processes such as intercropping and crop rotation. They could be based on the soil type, crop lifecycle, and rainfall patterns. And sticking to these methods can preserve soil health, improve fertiliser effect and also boost the net income of the farm.

Top 10 Commonly Used Herbicides in Indian Farming

With an understanding of different types of herbicides for weed control, you can make more informed choices based on varying farming conditions and crop stages. Below are various categories of common herbicides in India:

• Selective Herbicides: Can eliminate specific weeds without harming the yield.
• Non-Selective Herbicides: Used for land clearing as they can kill all plants.
• Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Are applied in the soil before the weed seeds can sprout.
• Post-Emergent Herbicides: Are used after weeds appear, to prevent their spread and eliminate them.
• Contact Herbicides: Can kill exactly where sprayed, when they come in topical contact with the plant.
• Systemic Herbicides: Are absorbed by the plant and can move and act from inside.
• Residual Herbicides: Can remain active in the soil and can prevent future weed growth.

Here are ten of the most popular herbicide compounds, used for various crop types.

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS (Selective Herbicide Pre-Emergent Herbicide)

Pendimethalin 38.7% CS is applied before weed germination in crops. It is effective in crops like wheat, pulses, and paddy. It also forms a protective layer in the soil, hence controlling broadleaf weeds and annual grasses. It is popular for its compatibility with practices that avoid tilling and its long-lasting effect.

Imazethapyr 10% SL (Selective & Post-Emergent Herbicide)

Imazethapyr 10% SL is mainly used post-emergence in groundnut and soybean crops. Effectively controls broadleaf and grassy weeds. It is absorbed by leaves and roots, which makes it ideal for early and visible weed growth.

Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC (Selective & Post-Emergent Herbicide)

Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC is highly effective in all types of rice or paddy cultivation. It is applied 10 to 15 days after sowing. It targets broadleaf and sedge weeds while providing excellent crop safety and systemic action.

Quizalofop Ethyl 5% EC (Selective & Systemic Herbicide)

Quizalofop-ethyl 5% EC is best suited for controlling grassy weeds in crops such as groundnut, cotton, and soybean. It is absorbed through foliage and stops weed growth from within, by targeting some key enzymes. We must apply this when we observe grassy weeds (post-emergence).

Metribuzin 70% WP (Selective Herbicide Systemic & Contact Herbicide)

Metribuzin 70% WP is applied in soybean, sugarcane, and potato cultivation fields. It acts as both, contact and systemic herbicide for weed control. This makes it extremely effective in early-stage weed growth.

Glyphosate 71% SG (Non-Selective Herbicide)

Glyphosate 71% SG is a non-selective herbicide for weed control, which provides us with total control over vegetation. It is mainly used in bund farming, tea plantations, and non cropped areas. Glyphosate can kill all green plants that come in contact. It is an excellent choice for pre-sowing land preparation rather than standing, healthy crops.

Ammonium Salt of Glyphosate 71% SG (Non-Selective Herbicide Systemic Herbicide)

Ammonium Salt of Glyphosate 71% SG is a systemic form of glyphosate. It is widely used in orchard interspaces to kill perennial or annual weeds, and before sowing. This herbicide for weed control enters the plant through leaves and acts from within.

Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL (Non-Selective Herbicide Contact Herbicide)

Paraquat Dichloride 24% SL is a contact herbicide for weed control, known for its quick action. It is used as a pre-sowing solution or for weed control in intercrop row spaces. This agricultural weed control solution is highly effective in drylands, where weeds must be removed at a rapid pace.

2,4-D Amine Salt 58% SL (Selective Post-Emergent Herbicide)

D-Amine Salt 58% SL is widely used in sugarcane and wheat production to control broadleaf weeds. It helps in maintaining cleaner crop rows while supporting uniform plant growth. During the mid-crop stages, when unwanted growth appears, this post-emergent herbicide provides a dependable solution.

Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.9% EC (Selective Post-Emergent Herbicide)

Fenoxaprop-ethyl 6.9% EC is an ideal solution for controlling grassy weeds in rice and wheat. Considering the range of available herbicides for Indian farmers, fenoxaprop is an exceptional choice. It provides excellent selectivity without affecting the yield and works on the already emerged weeds. This herbicide for weed control is commonly applied during the early tillering stage of growth.

How to Use Herbicides Responsibly for Better Results

In order to make any herbicide for weed control effective, you should follow a few simple practices regularly:

• Always read labels and understand the usage (pre or post-emergent)
• Follow the recommended dosage and spray uniformly, avoiding overuse.
• Wear protective gear and avoid inhaling or absorbing chemicals.
• Avoid spraying in high wind or extreme sun.
• Check for compatibility with other herbicides and remedies. 

Final Thoughts for Indian Farmers on Herbicide Usage

Herbicides are extremely powerful chemical compounds. Which is why they must be used with care and knowledge. We face increased weed challenges every season along with rising labour costs. 

Understanding each type of  herbicide for weed control in farming gives us an edge. If we focus on proper training and timely use, we can achieve great yields. 

Herbicides for weed control are effective tools that help protect crops, save on labour, and boost farm profits. However, they must be used with knowledge and care. By rotating different herbicides, combining them with traditional weed management methods, and applying them carefully, Indian farmers can keep their fields healthy, clean, and productive season after season.

Lastly, combining chemical control methods with traditional weed control methods in India can keep fields fertile, clean, and profitable.