Herbicides

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Herbicides

Herbicides (pronunciation: /ˈhɜːrbɪsaɪdz/), also known as weed killers, are chemical substances used to control unwanted plants. The term originates from the Latin words herba meaning grass or plant, and caedere meaning to cut down.

Types of Herbicides

There are several types of herbicides, each with a different mode of action. Some of the most common types include:

  • Contact herbicides: These are herbicides that kill only the plant tissue they come into contact with.
  • Systemic herbicides: These are absorbed by the foliage and transported throughout the plant.
  • Residual herbicides: These remain active in the soil for a period of time, preventing the germination of weed seeds.
  • Selective herbicides: These kill specific targets while leaving the desired crop relatively unharmed.
  • Non-selective herbicides: These kill all plant material with which they come into contact.

Usage

Herbicides are widely used in agriculture and landscape turf management. In agriculture, they are used to kill weeds that compete with crops. In landscape turf management, they are used to maintain a uniform appearance of turf by eliminating unwanted plants.

Health and Environmental Impact

Some herbicides have been associated with various health problems and environmental issues. For example, glyphosate, a common ingredient in many herbicides, has been linked to cancer in some studies. Herbicides can also have detrimental effects on non-target species, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals.

See Also

References


External links

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