Herbicides. Volume 6, Progress in Pesticide Biochemistry and Toxicology. Edited by Hutson D. H. and Roberts T. R.. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons (1987), pp. 372, $50.00.

Abstract

This sixth book in the series concerned with pesticide chemistry maintains the high standards set by its predecessors both in terms of the content of the individual contributions and the quality of presentation. It concentrates on the single theme of herbicides and comprises nine chapters each written by one or more internationally recognized experts in their field of review. The book begins with an up-to-date classification of the biological properties and uses of the main families of herbicides and plant growth regulators, followed by an excellent discussion of the role of metabolism in determining herbicide selectivity. The following three chapters cover aspects of the chemistry and biochemistry of some specific herbicide groups, and they are followed by a review of an important topic not often covered in books of this type-the assessment of and implications of occupational exposure to herbicides. A chapter on herbicide behaviour in soil concentrates on the topical problems of movement to ground water and enhanced microbial degradation. There is then further discussion of microbial decomposition and a final chapter dealing with their fate and behaviour in surface waters. All in all this is a first class compilation of topical and relevant reviews and makes essential reading for anyone involved in herbicide chemistry. A. Walker