The use of pesticides and herbicides has significantly shaped modern agriculture and public health since 1939. These chemical agents were developed to control pests, weeds, and plant diseases, increasing crop yields and reducing food shortages. However, their widespread use has also led to environmental and health concerns.

Early Development (1939 – 1950s)-
The modern era of pesticides began in 1939 when Swiss chemist Paul Hermann Müller discovered the insecticidal properties of DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). DDT was widely used during World War II to control malaria and typhus by killing disease-carrying insects. After the war, it became a staple in agriculture to protect crops from pests. Other early synthetic pesticides, such as organophosphates and carbamates, were also introduced to enhance agricultural productivity.

Herbicides, which target weeds rather than insects, saw significant development in the 1940s. E. J. Kraus & John W. Mitchell (1940s) discovered 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), one of the first selective herbicides that could kill weeds without harming crops.

Expansion & Controversy (1960s – 1980s) -
By the 1960s, the use of pesticides and herbicides had become widespread. However, concerns over their environmental impact grew. The publication of Rachel Carson’s book 'Silent Spring' (1962) highlighted the dangers of DDT, linking it to declining bird populations and toxic effects on wildlife and humans. This led to increased public awareness and regulatory scrutiny.

In 1972, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned DDT due to its harmful effects on ecosystems and potential risks to human health. Similar restrictions followed worldwide, leading to the development of alternative pesticides with reduced environmental persistence.

During this period, glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide, was introduced in 1974 by Monsanto under the brand Roundup. Glyphosate became one of the most widely used herbicides globally due to its effectiveness in killing weeds while being considered relatively safe at the time.

Biotechnology & Modern Innovations (1990s – Present) -
The 1990s marked a shift towards genetically modified (GM) crops designed to withstand herbicides. Roundup Ready crops, engineered to tolerate glyphosate, allowed farmers to spray herbicides without damaging their crops, leading to increased adoption of herbicide-resistant crops.

Despite these advancements, concerns about pesticide resistance, environmental contamination, and human health effects persist. Studies have linked prolonged pesticide exposure to health risks such as cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption. In response, many countries have imposed stricter regulations on pesticide use, promoting integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming as sustainable alternatives.

Today, efforts continue to balance agricultural productivity with environmental responsibility, with innovations focusing on biopesticides, precision agriculture, and safer chemical alternatives. However, the debate over pesticide and herbicide safety remains ongoing, reflecting the challenges of modern agricultural practices.