Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
RM Muchhadiya, PD Kumawat, HL Sakarvadia and PM Muchhadiya

Abstract:
The overall yield loss in different crops due to weed infestation is estimated at around 36.5% in India. The use of herbicides is the only viable on-farm technology today to control weeds. More than 90% of herbicides are misused, and as a result, they are lost in the environment, do not reach the target site, and do not effectively reduce weeds in crops. Nanoencapsulation of herbicides is a delivery method in which an active ingredient is covered with various materials of different sizes in the nano range and released in a controlled way for achieving season long weed free conditions. Nanoencapsulation can protect active ingredients from premature degradation (e.g., photolysis, hydrolysis, biodegradation, etc.) and unnecessary losses by leaching and volatilization. Studies have shown that nanoencapsulation of herbicides can produce more targeted and less toxic formulations for agricultural applications. Due to the enhanced herbicidal activity in comparison with a commercial formulation, the use of nanoencapsulated herbicide would permit the application of lower dosages of the herbicide. The use of lower doses of herbicides is desirable as it reduces the long-term effects of residues of these herbicides in agricultural areas and their toxicity to the environment, maintaining the sustainability of agricultural production. The target specific release of nanoencapsulated herbicide is also helpful in killing the weeds without even interacting with the crop plants, which ultimately results in higher crop yield.