What is a Weed Killer?
Herbicides, also commonly known as weed killers, are substances used to control undesired plants, also known as weeds.
What Is The Best Weed Killer In South Africa?
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide that is widely used to control weeds in agriculture, forestry, and urban settings. It is the active ingredient in many popular herbicides, including Roundup, and is known for its effectiveness against a wide range of weeds.
Glyphosate works by inhibiting an enzyme that is essential for plant growth. When applied to the leaves of a plant, glyphosate is absorbed and transported to the plant’s growing points, including the roots, where it disrupts the plant’s ability to produce amino acids, which are essential for protein synthesis. This results in the death of the plant.
2,4-D
2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) is a selective herbicide that is commonly used to control broadleaf weeds in lawns, golf courses, and other turfgrass settings. It is often used to control weeds like dandelions, clover, and plantain.
2,4-D works by mimicking the effects of a plant hormone, causing the weed to grow uncontrollably and eventually die. It is absorbed by the leaves of the weed and then transported throughout the plant, causing damage to the vascular system and other key processes.
One of the benefits of using 2,4-D is its selectivity – it is effective against broadleaf weeds but does not harm most types of grass. This makes it a popular choice for lawn care professionals and homeowners alike.
MCPA
MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) is a selective herbicide that is commonly used to control broadleaf weeds in lawns, pastures, and other turfgrass settings. It is often used to control weeds like thistles, docks, and other difficult-to-control weeds.
MCPA works by mimicking the effects of a plant hormone, causing the weed to grow uncontrollably and eventually die. It is absorbed by the leaves of the weed and then transported throughout the plant, causing damage to the vascular system and other key processes.
Like other selective herbicides, MCPA targets broadleaf weeds but does not harm most types of grass. This makes it a popular choice for lawn care professionals and homeowners alike.
Dicamba
Dicamba is a selective herbicide that is commonly used to control a wide range of broadleaf weeds in turfgrass and other ornamental settings. It is often used to control weeds like dandelions, chickweed, and clover.
Dicamba works by mimicking the effects of a plant hormone, causing the weed to grow uncontrollably and eventually die. It is absorbed by the leaves of the weed and then transported throughout the plant, causing damage to the vascular system and other key processes.
Atrazine
Atrazine is a selective herbicide that is commonly used to control a range of grassy and broadleaf weeds in lawn care products. It is often used to control weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and other common lawn weeds.
Atrazine works by inhibiting photosynthesis in target weeds, causing them to starve and eventually die. It is absorbed by the roots and leaves of the plant and then transported throughout the plant, causing damage to the plant’s key processes.
What is the strongest weed killer?
Glycosulphate is the strongest weed-killer chemical on sale and will kill grass too, but most gardeners won’t need a product this strong as more targeted chemicals are nearly as effective.