Transformation of Herbicidal Technology: Chemical Based to Ecological Concern

Herbicides offer one of the most effective means by which farmers can reduce labour costs because of less labour input-herbicides are now used extensively in Asian and African crop production systems primarily because they are profitable to farmers. Literally hundreds of herbicide products are emerging in the world market and becoming accessible to farmers in even the poorest regions. In addition to potential displacement of unskilled workers, the cost of herbicide use include potential ecological and health damage that is not usually estimated in the market. Long-term use of herbicides may damage the crop productivity, productivity of other enterprises such as live-stock, aquaculture and health of residents of both on and off the farm. They pose potential external damage to surrounding ecosystems. Continuous use of herbicides may cause alternations in the microbial populations in soil that help sustain soil fertility. Dr. Raju presents concise yet comprehensive information recently produced in the research centers of weed science. It is written for broad readers and should be of interest to agricultural scientists, planners, college students, teachers and training organisers In a nut-shall, it is valuable textbook-cum-reference manual for all students of cultivation sciences, academicians and extension personnel.