本省由於工商業發達，農村勞力短缺，以殺草劑取代人工為必然趨勢.2,4-D殺草劑於民國40年首次在本省應用於小麥田雜草之防除，十九年來推薦於防除旱田雜草藥劑達127種.目前旱田面積達40萬公頃，且不少旱地,丘陵(山坡)或果樹圖亟待開發殺草劑以彌補人工之不足，推測今後旱地作物殺草劑之需要量將逐年增加.

Economic growth due to industry and commereials resulted in labor shortage in Taiwan makes it essential for herbicides take the place of hand weeding. Foremostly, 2,4-D was recommended in 1951 for weed control in wheat field. Over 19 years thereafter, 127 herbicides have been recommmende in various upland crops. There are 400,000 ha upland field in Taiwan. Herbicides are requested take the place of hand weeding in upland fields including orchards. Herbicide usage in upland areas increases anually.