Herbicides residues in soil, water, plants and non-targeted organisms and human health implications: An Indian perspective

Herbicides use is increasing throughout the globe due to increasing labour cost, choice of application of herbicides, quick weed control in crop and non-crop areas. In India, herbicide use has increased up to 30% during the last 10 years in the country. Herbicides are chemical in nature, therefore, excessive and repeated use may pose residue problems, phytotoxicity to crop plants, residual effects on susceptible intercrops or succeeding crops, adverse effects on non-target organisms and ultimately health hazards to human and animals.