Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

List of Herbicides

...
pulling weeds image by palms from Fotolia.com

There are two main groups of Herbicides: selective and non-selective. Selective herbicides kill only certain types of plants. However, if selective herbicides are used in a high enough dosage, they can kill all plants. Non-selective herbicides will kill all plants including grass. Non-selective herbicides are often used to clear out spots for paths, railroads and other places where plants can cause problems. Herbicides either kill plants by contact or systematically by manipulating the plants own biological system. Contact herbicides only kill the part of the plant that the herbicides touch. Systematic herbicides kill the entire plant by manipulating some part of the plant's growth system, such as the root. Before using any herbicide, read the directions. Some effects of herbicides can change if used in too large of an amount. Also, make sure the herbicide being used is appropriate for what is being used for. Below are the main types of herbicides, with examples of some that are commonly used in lawn care.

  • There are two main groups of Herbicides: selective and non-selective.
  • However, if selective herbicides are used in a high enough dosage, they can kill all plants.

Phenoxy Acid

Phenoxy acid is a selective, contact type of herbicide that generally kills broadleaf plants. It is most commonly applied as a foliar spray. An example of this type of herbicide is Weedone.

Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is a selective type of herbicide that is applied with foliar spray. It targets broadleaf plants. Examples are Banvel and TBA. This herbicide can move through soil easily and be taken up by roots of sensitive trees and delicate flowers by accident, so be careful when using it.

  • Phenoxy acid is a selective, contact type of herbicide that generally kills broadleaf plants.

Dinitroaniline

Dinitroaniline is a systematic herbicide used to attack roots of germinating seeds before the weeds grow. This type must be watered to activate it, and it will remain in the soil for months after application. Some examples include Weedgrass and Treflan.

Bipyridylium

Bipyridylium is a non-selective herbicide that is applied as a foliar spray. This systematic herbicide uses the plant’s own photosynthesis against it, therefore it needs light to be effective. Reward is an example of this type of herbicide.

Substituted Urea

Substituted urea is a systematic, selective type of herbicide that is applied to the soil. It is absorbed through the roots and stops them from growing. This is the only herbicide that can control crabgrass selectively. An example of this type of herbicide is Tupersan.

  • Dinitroaniline is a systematic herbicide used to attack roots of germinating seeds before the weeds grow.

Arsenical

Arsenical is a selective type of contact herbicide that is foliar-applied. Examples include Weed-e-Rad and Weed-Hoe.

Miscellaneous

The most commonly known miscellaneous type of herbicide is Roundup. It is applied as a foliar spray, and is a non-selective, systematic herbicide that keeps plants from growing by not allowing new plant cells to develop. Roundup is the most widely used herbicide.

Related Articles

Spectracide vs. Roundup
Spectracide vs. Roundup
Roundup Weed Control Precautions
Roundup Weed Control Precautions
Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Plant Growth
Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Plant Growth
How Do Herbicides Affect Photosynthesis?
How Do Herbicides Affect Photosynthesis?
Ingredients in Trimec Plus Herbicide
Ingredients in Trimec Plus Herbicide
Information on Curtail Weed Killer
Information on Curtail Weed Killer
What Chemicals Can Affect the Growth of Plants?
What Chemicals Can Affect the Growth of Plants?
What Is the Effect of Fertilizer on Plant Growth?
What Is the Effect of Fertilizer on Plant Growth?
Atrazine As a Lawn Herbicide
Atrazine As a Lawn Herbicide
How to Use Glyphosate
How to Use Glyphosate
What Are Pros and Cons of Glyphosate?
What Are Pros and Cons of Glyphosate?
Types of Weeds & Weed Killers
Types of Weeds & Weed Killers
How Does Miracle-Gro Work?
How Does Miracle-Gro Work?
Herbicides That Are Safe for Ponds
Herbicides That Are Safe for Ponds
Can Gatorade Make Plants Grow Faster?
Can Gatorade Make Plants Grow Faster?
Active Ingredients in Miracle Grow
Active Ingredients in Miracle Grow
2-4-D Weed Killer Information
2-4-D Weed Killer Information
Ingredients in Miracle Grow Plant Food
Ingredients in Miracle Grow Plant Food
Vantage Grass & Weed Killer
Vantage Grass & Weed Killer
Garden Guides
×