Understanding herbicides involves recognizing the significance of managing weeds. Throughout agricultural history, weed control has been essential, predating the invention of herbicides. While cultivating crops, undesirable plants, or weeds, often emerge. These unwelcome plants can harm desired crop growth and yield by competing for resources such as water, nutrients, sunlight, and by harbouring insects and fungi.
Uses of Herbicides
In farming, herbicides are helpful because they can manage weeds at different growth stages, giving farmers flexibility. Different crops have different kinds of weeds, so they need different herbicides. Certain herbicides can be used before planting seeds to make sure no traces are left behind. Sometimes, when weeds are already growing with crops, a special herbicide can be used to kill weeds but not harm the crops. Using herbicides will stay important because they help crops grow well, prevent weeds, and keep them from growing with crops.
Types of Herbicides
Usage of herbicides varies on the basis of the crop they are used on and the nature of the weed they are supposed to get rid of.
1. Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Before weeds become visible in your farm, pre-emergence weed killers are applied. These chemicals not only stop the seeds from sprouting but prevent young weed plants from developing new root cells. This stops them from growing, and they eventually die. This process takes place below the grass, so you won't see the weeds. The right formula and application of pre-emergents depend on timing, weather, and the types of weeds causing problems in your field.
The pre-emergent weed killers don't affect new growth from existing roots or rhizomes. They shouldn't be used on soil prepared for planting grass seeds as they can harm the young plants' roots. Established plants are not affected since their roots are already well-developed. Pre-emergent weed killers like Chempa from Dhanuka Agritech focus on killing the fragile root tissue of newly sprouted seedlings of crops like Paddy, leading to their complete demise.
2. Post-Emergent Herbicides:
Post-emergent herbicides step in after weeds have already made their appearance. The term "post" indicates that these herbicides are meant for use on weeds that are already there. When applied correctly, these herbicides can effectively tackle existing weeds and even act as a deterrent for new ones. It's important to note that there are various types of post-emergent weed killers available, so it's wise to closely read the product description and accurately identify the types of weeds you're targeting like Dhanuka’s Mesotrax delivers enhanced and prolonged control of both narrow leaf weeds and broadleaf weeds and Sempra checks nutrient uptake by Cyperus rotundus within 24 hrs of application resulting in good healthy crop.
For effective results, post-emergent weed killers demand activation and precise application under controlled conditions. Once you've determined your weed control needs and chosen the appropriate formula, it's crucial to pay attention to factors like application rate, how long the effect lasts, and the risk of contaminating or leaching into specific types of soil.
3. Selective Herbicides:
Selective herbicides are designed to target certain plants or types of plants while not harming the plants you want to keep. On the other hand, non-selective herbicides kill any plants they touch. Selective herbicides are useful in areas with a mix of plants, where you want to protect specific crops or plants from the weeds the herbicide is meant to eliminate. These herbicides are commonly applied in gardens, lawns, and agricultural fields.
For Instance, Targa Super does not burn the weeds but kills the weeds - so they do not regerminate then these dead weeds turn into organic manure to boost plant health and vigour.
4. Non-Systemic Herbicides:
Non-selective herbicides are formulated to eliminate or harm any plants they touch.
By using a non-selective herbicide, you can effectively remove all types of vegetation, whether they are broadleaf weeds or grassy ones.
These herbicides are particularly valuable in eradicating plants from areas where they shouldn't grow, like fence lines, sidewalk cracks, and driveways. Because they aren't picky, you can apply them generously to eliminate everything in the area, rather than treating individual spots.
Non-selective herbicides are straightforward to use. Mix the chosen non-selective herbicide with water in a handheld sprayer, following the instructions on the label. Then, apply it to the unwanted plants you want to get rid of, and you're done!
5. Systemic Herbicides:
Systemic herbicides, also known as translocated herbicides, are a specific type of herbicide that can travel within a plant's vascular system to eliminate undesired plants. These herbicides have found widespread application in agriculture, landscaping, and forestry for controlling weeds and invasive plants.
In contrast to contact herbicides that affect only the parts of a plant they touch, like leaves or stems, systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and circulate throughout its system. This enables them to target not only the visible parts but also the roots and other internal components of the plant. Dhanuka’s Sempra is one of the most recommended Systemic Herbicides.
6. Contact Herbicides:
A contact herbicide is a specific kind of weed killer that is created to eliminate only the plants it directly touches. It serves as a crucial tool for farmers, gardeners, and individuals seeking to manage the growth of undesirable plants within a particular area. What sets contact herbicides apart from other types of herbicides is their ability to exclusively target the plants they physically encounter. This characteristic makes them a more precise method of weed control in contrast to other herbicides like systemic ones, which work by being absorbed into the plant and killing it internally.
Read more : Soybean Post and Pre-Emergence Herbicides
Considerations When Using Herbicides:
Incorrectly applying herbicides may harm crops and decrease weed management effectiveness. If you're using herbicides to control weeds near your crops, ensure proper and accurate usage following the instructions on the product label. Some Factors to keep in mind before Using any herbicides are:
Environmental Conditions
1. Wind
The effectiveness of herbicides can be affected by wind, which can cause chemicals to move away from the intended area, a phenomenon referred to as "drift." To counter this, take into account the direction and speed of the wind when you apply herbicides.
2. Temperature
Temperature variations can influence the application of herbicides. For instance, elevated humidity levels can cause harm to crops as moisture droplets linger on their surfaces for extended periods. Herbicides work best when warm temperatures are paired with favorable relative humidity conditions.
3. Moisture
Moisture, particularly dew, can lessen the efficiency of herbicides. When present during application, dew dilutes the spray and might cause the herbicide concentration to drop. Furthermore, dew on leaves can lead to herbicide runoff, diminishing weed control effectiveness and potentially spreading chemicals to unintended areas.
Safety Measures while Applying Herbicides:
Here are some formal guidelines to follow when applying herbicides:
1 Apply herbicides when wind speeds are low and consider wind direction, especially if susceptible crops are nearby.
2 Ensure that livestock are kept away from the areas where crops have been sprayed.
3 Avoid using the same equipment for herbicides as for insecticides and fungicides, particularly when using 2,4-D herbicide.
4 Prevent contact between the solution and the body, as many herbicides can cause skin irritation.
5 Opt for sunny weather when spraying to achieve effective control.
6 Ensure that there is adequate soil moisture for the optimal performance of the herbicides.
7 Prepare the herbicidal solution in glass or enamel containers to prevent unwanted reactions.
8 Maintain consistent pressure during spraying to achieve an even distribution of the herbicide.
Read more : Post-emergence herbicides for onion crop
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the impact of herbicides is essential for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. While herbicides play a crucial role in weed management, their usage must be balanced with responsible practices to mitigate potential risks to ecosystems and human health.
Dhanuka Agritech Limited stands as a prominent agrochemical leader in India, producing a diverse range of top-quality products including insecticides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, fungicides, and pesticides tailored for various crop types. The company prides itself on crafting eco-friendly formulations that ensure the safety of plants and humans consuming the produce. Renowned across the nation, Dhanuka Agritech excels in creating effective agricultural solutions specifically designed for Indian crops. Among their offerings, a selection of herbicides catering to both pre-emergence and post-emergence stages.
● Targa Super
● Chempa
● Sempra
● Mesotrax
● Implode
For further insights into these herbicides, as well as a comprehensive array of pesticides and insecticides for diverse crops, you can explore Dhanuka Agritech Limited's official website at www.dhanuka.com . Their extensive collection of agricultural chemicals serves the needs of a wide variety of Indian crops.
