Herbicides
A herbicide is a chemical agent designed to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants, like weeds and invasive species. Chemical herbicides offer ease of application compared to mechanical methods, which can save labor costs.
Herbicides are categorized as either selective, affecting specific plants, or nonselective, affecting plants generally. They are also classified based on application: foliage-applied or soil herbicides. Contact herbicides kill only the parts they touch, while translocated herbicides target roots and other organs by moving from treated surfaces. In terms of timing, they can be preplant, preemergence, or postemergence.
However, most herbicides can cause mortality of nontarget plants and the insects that depend on them, especially when applied aerially.
Herbicides are agents, typically chemicals, designed to kill or inhibit the growth of unwanted plants like weeds and invasive species. They offer an advantage over mechanical methods due to their ease of application, which can reduce labor costs.
Modern herbicides fall into two main categories: selective, which target specific plant species, and nonselective, which affect plants in general. They are also classified based on application method, such as foliage-applied and soil herbicides. With respect to planting time, herbicides are classified as preplant, preemergence, or postemergence weed killers.
Weed control is crucial in agriculture because weeds can lower yields, raise production costs, disrupt harvesting, and diminish product quality.
Herbicides kill or control weeds through various mechanisms depending on the herbicide type. Contact herbicides like sulfuric acid kill only the plant parts they touch, while translocated herbicides like 2,4-D move throughout the plant to kill roots and other organs.
Glyphosate inhibits an enzyme called EPSP synthase, disrupting the synthesis of aromatic amino acids needed for plant growth.
Herbicides are categorized by application time: preplant, preemergence, or postemergence. The ease of chemical application, especially via aerial spraying, offers a significant advantage over mechanical methods.
Herbicides fall into two main categories: selective and nonselective. Selective herbicides target specific plant species, while nonselective herbicides affect plants generally. Both categories are further divided into foliage-applied and soil herbicides. Contact herbicides like sulfuric acid and paraquat kill only the plant organs they touch. Translocated herbicides such as amitrole and 2,4-D are transported to and effective against roots or other organs from treated surfaces. Additionally, herbicides are classified by planting time as preplant, preemergence, or postemergence weed killers.
To safely apply herbicides, farmers must integrate their use into the overall farm program, considering factors such as crop stage, weed stage, and weather conditions. When used as directed, herbicides are generally safe for the operator, wildlife, and livestock.
Spraying is the most common application method because it allows extremely small amounts to be applied uniformly. However, the greatest risk lies in accidental injury to crops from drift and residues in the soil, especially if residues enter water courses.
Because chemical pesticides can harm people, wildlife, and the environment, governments have implemented strict controls over their sale and use. Practically all aspects of chemical usage are now regulated or restricted by government.
Herbicides can have several negative effects on the environment. They can contaminate soil and water, harming agriculture and aquatic ecosystems. Some herbicides persist in the environment, posing long-term threats to invertebrate animals and potentially affecting the food web.
The use of herbicides can lead to the contamination of plants, which can be deadly or harmful to insects, including pollinators. Some herbicides have been correlated with declines in bird populations. While natural processes in the soil can detoxify chemicals, the complexity of herbicide compounds can lead to long residence times in the soil.
References
Insecticide Poisoning, MSD MANUAL, Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/poisoning/insecticide-poisoning
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