The sulfonylurea herbicides have been characterized by broad-spectrum weed control at exceptionally low dosage, good crop selectivity and low mammalian toxicity. This article summarizes the general situation of research, development and application, and the mode of action of sulfonylurea herbicides; it talks about the most important problems such as herbicide resistance and drug resistance remaining during its development and application, and indicates the direction of its development and the strategies of solving the problems.