Glyphosate is the most-used herbicide across the world.
Glyphosate, a glycine derivative broad-spectrum and non-selective herbicide holds the largest market share among herbicides, globally. Furthermore, it kills weeds more effectively without affecting crops compared to other commercially available herbicides.
Renowned chemical manufacturers such as DuPont and BASF are manufacturing glyphosate under brand names Abundit Extra, KIXOR, respectively. However, usage of 2,4-D, is banned in countries such as Canada, Denmark and Norway due to the high level of dioxin contamination and risk of spreading cancer.
According to the 2014 report, World Herbicides Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2013 - 2020, the usage of organic herbicide as a replacement of 2,4-D, is being considered worldwide, although the effectiveness of organic herbicides to control weed is still under research.
Currently, bio herbicide is a niche segment of the global herbicides market. These are composed of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and insects that can target specific weeds without harming crops. Currently, commercial production of such herbicide is very low. However, due to their lack of chemical toxicity and milder effect on environment, the popularity of bio herbicide as compared to synthetic herbicide is growing. Considering the potential of bio herbicides, companies such as Bioherbicides Australia, are focusing on research and development and commercialising bio herbicides. Myco-Techpaste and Sarritorare are two Canadian brands of bio herbicides, which are currently commercially available.
Among different crop types, herbicide usage is highest in cereals and grains (namely maize, rice, wheat and others). The Asia-Pacific region (Mainly China, India and Japan), being the major production hub of cereals & grains, consumes nearly three quarters of total herbicide in this category.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.