Evaluation of new herbicide molecules and their efficacy in rice and wheat cultivation in India

The increasing demand for higher agricultural productivity in India has necessitated the development and use of efficient crop management tools, particularly herbicides. Wheat and rice are widely grown globally due to their high protein content and ability to fix nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria in root nodules, reducing the need for fertilizers. However, weed interference limits legume cultivation, managed through mechanical, cultural, chemical, or biological methods. Herbicides remain essential for cost-effective weed control, but first-generation herbicides pose environmental and human health risks due to persistence and off-target toxicity, along with issues like weed resistance. New herbicides with novel modes of action have emerged, offering improved weed control efficiency (WCE), reduced weed biomass, and higher seed yields without significant crop toxicity. This review highlights the benefits of these newer herbicides, focusing on selectivity, low toxicity, and minimal environmental impact, while emphasizing their economic viability and environmental sustainability. The evaluation of new herbicide molecules for their efficacy in rice and wheat cultivation is crucial for ensuring better weed control while maintaining the environmental and economic sustainability of farming practices. This study examines the efficacy of novel herbicide molecules in controlling weeds in rice and wheat fields, assesses their impact on crop yield, and compares them with conventional herbicides. The results suggest that newer herbicide formulations offer improved weed control, lower toxicity, and higher crop yield potential, thereby providing viable alternatives to traditional herbicides in India’s diverse agricultural landscape.