herbiciden

Herbiciden, the Dutch term for herbicides, are substances or biological agents used to suppress or eradicate unwanted vegetation. They are widely employed in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and urban land management to reduce crop competition, manage invasive species, and maintain pathways, rights of way, and recreational areas.

Herbicides can be categorized by selectivity (selective versus non-selective) and by timing of application (pre-emergent versus post-emergent; also contact versus systemic). Selective products target particular plant species, while non-selective products kill most greens. Pre-emergents act before seeds germinate; post-emergents act on established plants. Systemic herbicides are taken up and transported within the plant, whereas contact products kill only the parts they touch.

Common mechanisms include enzyme inhibition, disruption of growth hormones, or microbial action. Glyphosate is a systemic, non-selective herbicide that blocks an enzyme in the shikimate pathway. 2,4-D is a selective, synthetic auxin that causes uncontrolled growth and plant death. Other products may provide soil activity, residual control, or are designed for use in specific crop systems.

Use of herbicides raises safety and environmental concerns: effects on non-target plants, aquatic systems, pollinators, and soil health; development of weed resistance; potential drift and contamination of water. Most regions require products to be registered and labeled with usage instructions, and applications are typically restricted to trained personnel or performed according to strict guidelines.

Integrated weed management combines chemical control with cultural and mechanical methods to reduce reliance on herbicides and manage resistance. Practices include crop diversification, cover crops, tillage or mulching, and timing applications to align with weed biology and weather conditions.