Since the introduction of glyphosate (N-(phosphomethyl) glycine) in 1974, it has been the most used nonselective and broad-spectrum herbicide around the world. The widespread use of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides is due to their low-cost efficiency in killing weeds, their rapid absorption by plants, and the general mistaken perception of their low toxicity to the environment and living organisms. As a consequence of the intensive use and accumulation of glyphosate and its derivatives on environmental sources, major concerns about the harmful side effects of glyphosate and its metabolites on human, plant, and animal health, and for water and soil quality, are emerging. Glyphosate can reach water bodies by soil leaching, runoff, and sometimes by the direct application of some approved formulations. Moreover, glyphosate can reach nontarget plants by different mechanisms, such as spray application, release through the tissue of treated plants, and dead tissue from weeds. As a consequence of this nontarget exposure, glyphosate residues are being detected in the food chains of diverse products, such as bread, cereal products, wheat, vegetable oil, fruit juice, beer, wine, honey, eggs, and others. The World Health Organization reclassified glyphosate as probably carcinogenic to humans in 2015 by the IARC. Thus, many review articles concerning different glyphosate-related aspects have been published recently. The risks, disagreements, and concerns regarding glyphosate usage have led to a general controversy about whether glyphosate should be banned, restricted, or promoted. Thus, this review article makes an overview of the basis for scientists, regulatory agencies, and the public in general, with consideration to the facts on and recommendations for the future of glyphosate usage.

Since the 1990s, radiometric and biophotonic sensor applications have provided reliable alternatives and rapid non-invasive diagnostics for the detection and delimitation of pests and diseases, as well as pesticide traces. Active sensors have been shown to be more accurate in detecting the heterogeneity of environmental factors based on thermal and infrared characteristics, chlorophyll fluorescence, and plant reflectance. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with infrared cameras locate and delimit weed abundance and diversity using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) algorithms, which highlight heterogeneous chlorophyll activity and herbicide-limited photosynthesis in crops. The resulting map serves as the foundation for collecting plant samples. In this study, the technology of these sensors was applied to determine glyphosate traces using Raman spectroscopy, which allowed a quick, low-cost, simple, and practical diagnosis with immediate results. These are essential characteristics for surveillance and monitoring activities, as well as the basis for a geo-referenced inventory of pesticides in production units. Of the 44 weed samples collected, eight were positive for glyphosate traces: two in corn and six in avocado. Weeds are identified as positive to glyphosate traces in Raman spectroscopy in the carotenoid and phenylpropanoid reduction ranges (1186 and 1213 cm^-1) as a result of a decrease in the immune response. The vibrations presented by the amines in glyphosate and the C-OH of the carboxyl group are detected in the range of 1565 and 1567 cm^-1.

Field mapping is one of the most important aspects of precision agriculture, and community drones will be able to empower young rural entrepreneurs who will be the generational replacement of a new agrosocial paradigm. This research presents an agroecological participatory innovation methodology that utilizes precision technology through geographic information systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to evaluate the integrated ecological management of weeds for glyphosate substitution in a transitional area of Citrus sinensis in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Modeling methods and spatial analyses supported by intelligent georeference protocols were used to determine the number of weeds with tolerance and glyphosate resistance. Four control flights were conducted to monitor seven treatments. Glyphosate-resistant weeds were represented with the highest number of individuals and frequency in all experimental treatments. Although the treatment with maize stubble showed a slightly better result than the use of Mucuna pruriens mulch, which prevents the emergence of glyphosate resistant weeds before emergence, the second treatment is considered better in terms of the cost–benefit ratio, not only because of significantly lower cost but also because of the additional benefits it offers. Geospatial technologies will determine the nature of citrus and fruit tree agroecological treatments and highlight areas of the plot with binomial soil and plant nutrient deficiencies and pest and disease infestations, which will improve the timely application of bio-inputs through the development of accurate maps of agroecological transitions.