INTRODUCTION TO HERBICIDES

HERBICIDE FAMILIES

How are herbicides grouped? Family groups

Similar chemical structure Seedling (meristematic) growth inhibitors
Same mode of action Photosynthesis inhibitors
Similar injury symptoms Cell membrane disrupters / Contact herbicides
Similar weed spectrum control Growth regulators
Similar application technology Amino acid synthesis inhibitors
Lipid synthesis inhibitors
Pigment inhibitors
Miscellaneous

Why understand herbicide mode of action?

-group by weed spectrum
-helps know application methodology
-diagnose injury symptoms
-prevent herbicide resistance

Mode of Action
The movement and action of a herbicide, including absorption into a plant and translocation to
the site of action, resulting in plant death.
Example: Glyphosate inhibits the production of 3 essential aromatic amino acids

Site of Action
The specific site and mechanism in a plant where the herbicide produces plant death.
Example: Glyphosate inhibits the 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP) enzyme

Herbicide Mobility
Nonmobile (contact herbicides) - the injury symptoms are confined to the site of uptake (where
the herbicide contacts the plant)
Mobile (systemic herbicides) - the injury symptoms will be where the herbicide tranlocates and
concentrates in the plant

Herbicide Mobility
Xylem - water transport system - herbicides tend to follow the movement of water in the plant,
i.e. root to shoot to leaf tip
Phloem - food transport system - herbicides tend to follow the movement of sugars in the plant,
i.e. source to sink
Ambimobile - travels in both xylem and phloem

Injury Definitions
Epinasty - twisting and elongation of plant parts
Chlorosis - yellowing of plant tissue
Necrosis - browning and death of plant tissue
Callus - mass of plant cells
Strapping - parallel venation
Drawstring - leaf tip “drawn" inward

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Post-Emergence Herbicides
-absorbed by shoots and leaves (thorough contact is very important)
-may be either mobile or non-mobile
-volume of spray solution, pressure of application and nozzle selection are important (flat
fan/hollow cone nozzles are recommended)
- adjuvants increase uptake by plant

Soil Applied Herbicides (Pre-Emergence)

- absorbed by roots or emerging shoots
- may be plant mobile or non-mobile

Reasons for Herbicide Selectivity in Plants Effective Herbicides

broadleaf vs grass spray retention on leaf (1 ) Contact plants
seed size and placement absorption (2) Absorbed by plants
annual vs perennial translocation (3) Reach site of action
age metabolism (4) Produce toxic reaction
plant height genetics

SEEDLING GROWTH INHIBITORS

MODE OF ACTION
Inhibits growth of seedling roots and/or shoots (but only effective on seedling annual or
perennial weeds)

Families:
Dinitroanilines
Acetanilides /Chloroacetamides
Carbamates/Thiocarbamates/Dithiocarbamates
Miscellaneous

SEEDLING GROWTH INHIBITORS - SHOOTS

Mode of Action - inhibition of seedling shoots. Stops plant cells from elongation.

Acetanilides and Thiocarbamates

Site of action: specific site(s) unknown -multiple sites (protein, gibberellins, lipid synthesis)
Uses: soil and foliar applied annual grass and broadleaf herbicides
Plant mobility: mobile in xylem
Soil persistence: short to moderate

Acetanilides and Thiocarbamate Injury symptoms

- leaf out underground
- Improper leaf unfurling - “buggy whipped”
- leaf crinkling - bud seal - drawstring

Seedling Growth Inhibitors (Shoots) on the Market

Acetanilides
metolachlor Pennant/Dual
alachlor Lasso

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 Carbamates/Thiocarbamates/Dithiocarbamsates
EPTC Eptam
asulam Asulox (little pre-emergent activity)

Miscellaneous
oxadiazon Ronstar
ethofumesate Prograss (absorbed by both roots and shoots)

SEEDLING GROWTH INHIBITORS - ROOTS

Mode of action: inhibition of seedling roots. Stops plant cells from dividing and lateral root
formation

Dinitroanilines
Site of action: microtubule inhibitor (necessary for cell division)
Uses: soil applied, annual grass and small seeded broadleaf herbicide
Soil persistence: moderate
Plant mobility: non-mobile
Other: moderately volatile and photosensitive

Dinitroaniline Injury Symptoms

- stunting
- purple or red shoots
- swollen/cracked hypocotyls
- short/thickened shoots
- root inhibition
- clubby roots

Dinitroanilines on the Market

pendimethalin Pendimethalin, Prowl
oryzalin Surflan
prodiamine Baracade
benefin Balan
trifluralin Treflan

oryzalin + isoxaben Snapshot

Miscellaneous
pyridines
dithiopyr Dimension
pronamide Kerb
DCPA Dacthal
isozaben Gallery
napropamide Devrinol
bensulide Betasan
siduron Tupersan

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 PHOTOSYNTHESIS INHIBITORS

MODE OF ACTION
Photosynthesis is responsible for food (energy) production
Active photosynthesis and light is necessary for activity
Herbicides disrupt energy flow resulting in free radicals ( 3 CHL, O2 , OH)
Free radicals react with cell membranes

Families:
triazines
benzothiadiazoles
nitriles
phenylureas
uracils

Photosynthesis Inhibitor Herbicides

Site of action: D-I quinone (Q) protein in PS-II
Uses: soil and/or foliar broadleaf and grass herbicides, soil sterilants, brush control
Plant mobility: mobile in xylem or non-mobile
Soil persistence: none to more than a year

Photosynthesis Injury Symptoms - Soil Applied

- injury occurs after true leaf initiation
- primary photosynthetic tissue affected first
- chlorosis to necrosis of leaf margins
- interveinal chlorosis to necrosis

Photosynthesis Injury Symptoms - Foliar Applied (post emergence)

- contact-like burn
- bronzing or speckling of leaf tissue
- necrosis of leaf tissue

Plant Mobile Photosynthesis Inhibitors on the Market - Soil Applied

Triazines
atrazine Atrazine, Aatrex
simazine Princep
prometon Pramitol
hexazinone Velpar
Triazones
metribuzin Sencor
Ureas
linuron Lorox
tebuthiuron Spike
diuron Karmex
Uracils
bromacil Hyvar
bromacil + diuron Krovar

Plant Non-mobile Photosynthesis Inhibitors on the Market

Benzothiadiazoles
bentazon Basagran
bentazon + atrazine Prompt
Nitriles
bromoxynil Buctril

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 CELL MEMBRANE DISRUPTERS/
ORGANIC ARSENICALS

MODE OF ACTION - CELL MEMBRANE DISRUPTERS

Contact-type herbicides - post emergent
Disrupts energy flow resulting in free radicals
Light is necessary for maximum activity Symptoms are rapid

Families:
bipyridyliums
diphenyl ethers

Cell Membrane Disrupters - Bipyridyliums

Site of action: free radicle formation via photosystem I (PSI) electrons
Uses: foliar, non-selective, annual grass and broadleaf herbicides
Plant mobility: non-mobile
Soil persistence: none

Cell Membrane Disrupters - Diphenyl Ethers

Site of action: free radicle formation via inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (Protox)
Uses: foliar applied annual broadleaf herbicides
Plant mobility: non-mobile
Soil Persistence: +2 weeks to +2 months

Cell Membrane Disrupters- Injury Symptoms

- contact-type symptoms
- plant leaves turn yellow, then brown and die
- reddish colored spotting on leaf surfaces shortly after the herbicide is applied
- rapid water-soaked appearance (Paraquat)
- necrosis of plant tissue
- spotting/speckling and crinkling of leaves
- injury is enhanced with additives
- initial injury is not on leaf margins unlike PSI herbicides

Cell Membrane Disrupter Herbicides on the Market

Bipyridvliums
paraquat Gramoxone extra
difenzoquat Avenge
diquat Diquat, Reward
Diphenyl Ethers
acifluorfen Blazer
lactofen Cobra
fomesafen Reflex
oxyfluorfen Goal

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MODE OF ACTION - ORGAN1C ARSENICALS

Contact Herbicides - Organic Arsenicals

Site of action: specific sites unknown. Arsenic replaces the phosphorus and interferes with sugar
metabolism in plants
Uses: foliar applied, grass and sedge herbicide
Plant mobility : arsonics: xylem or phloem but mostly translocates with the sugars in the
phloem (DSMA, MSMA) - mobility very limited.
arsinics: none (cacodylic acid)
. Soil Persistence: none (no soil activity)

Organic Arsonics on the Market

MSMA DSMA

Organic Arsinics on the Market

(many formulations and companies)
cacodylic acid Phytar 560, Liquid Edger

GROWTH REGULATORS

MODE OF ACTION
Herbicides mimic hormones (e.g. auxins)
Plant hormones are responsible for growth, leaf and flower extension, etc.
Act at multiple sites in plants - disrupt hormone balance and protein synthesis

Families:
Phenoxy acids
Benzoic acids
Picolinic acids

Growth Regulator Herbicides

Site of action: multiple sites - specific sites are unknown (even though it is our oldest herbicide.
This is why plant resistance is negligible)
Uses: foliar applied broadleaf herbicides for turf and brush control
Plant mobility: systemic (ambimobile) - goes to growing points where cell division is occurring
Soil persistence: ranges form + 1 week to + 1 year

Growth Regulator Injury Symptoms

- stem twisting and epinasty (twisting downward)
- leaf cupping and crinkling (can show leaf cupping and significant twisting in 12 to 24 hours if
the plant is actively growing)
- leaf rolling
- brittleness
- sterile flowers or missing grain

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Growth Regulator Herbicides on the Market
Phenoxy acids
2,4-D
MCPA
MCPP
2,4-DB

Benzoic acids
dicamba Banvel
(many, many combinations and formulations available)

Picolinic acids (Pyridine acids)

picloram Tordon /Gazon
triclopyr Garlon/Remedy
clopyralid Reclaim
(triclopyr and clopyralid mixture) Confront

AMINO ACID SYNTHESIS INHIBITORS

MODE OF ACTION
These herbicides block amino acid production.
Amino acids are building blocks for proteins.
Proteins are important in all biological functions.
This is an enzyme regulated process.
Imidazolinones and sulfonylureas prevent the production of 3 essential branch chain
amino acids by inhibiting one key plant enzyme. Treated plants do not synthesize
valine, leucine, and isoleucine
Amino acid derivative (glyphosate) prevents the production of 3 essential aromatic
amino acids by inhibiting one key plant enzyme. Treated plants do not synthesize
tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine.
Amino acid derivative (glufosinate) prevents the production of glutamine.

Families:
Amino acid derivatives
Imidazolinones
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonamides

Amino Acid Dervatives (&)

Site of Action: Examples:
1. Glyphosate : 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3 phosphate synthetase (EPSP synthetase
enzyme) Blocks the formation of aromatic amino acids; phenylalanine, tyrosine,
and tryptophan.
2. Gulfosinate: inhibits the activity of glutamine synthetase (glutamate + NH3 =
glutamine) results in a build-up of ammonia in the cell causing cell destruction.
Uses: foliar, non-selective grass and broadleaf herbicide, bare-ground control
Plant Mobility: ambimobile, but primarily moves in the phloem (high-glyphosate, low-
glufosinate)
Soil Persistence: virtually no soil activity (some exceptions - organic soil, sand high in P)

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Amino Acid Derivative Injury Symptoms
- chlorosis to necrosis of foliage
- new growth is affected first
- slow acting (7 to 14 days)

Amino Acid Derivatives on the Market

glyphosate Round-up
sulfosate Touchdown
glufosinate Finale, Ignite, Lightening

Imidazolinone and Sulfonylurea Herbicides

Site of action: ALS (acetolactate synthase) enzyme or AHAS (acetohydroxy acid synthase)
enzyme. Blocks production of valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
Uses: foliar and soil applied broadleaf and grass herbicide, bare-ground uses
Plant mobility: ambimobile but primarily moves in the phloem with the solutes
Soil persistence: +1 week to + 2 years (longer in alkaline soils)

Imidazolinone and Sulfonylurea Injury Symptoms

- stunting
- chlorosis and purpling
- improper leaf unfurling
- vein reddening
- inhibited growing points (or bushing out at upper nodes)
- root inhibition and pruning

Sulfonylurea Herbicides on the Market

metsulfuron Ally, Amber
triasulfuron Amber
sulfometuron methyl Oust
(many more)

Imidazolinone Herbicides on the Market

imazaquin Image
imazapyr Arsenal / Chopper
imazapic Plateau
(many more)

LIPID SYNTHESIS INHIBITORS

MODE OF ACTION
Herbicides inhibit a key enzyme involved in fatty acid synthesis
Lipids are composed of fatty acids
Lipids are vital to the integrity of cell membranes and new plant growth
An enzyme regulated process

Families:
Aryloxyphenoxypropionates
Cyclohexanediones

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Lipid Synthesis Inhibitor Herbicides
Site of action: Acetyl-CoA carboxylase enzyme (stops the first step of lipid synthesis)
Uses: Foliar grass herbicides for turf and ornamentals
Plant mobility: Moves in the phloem and mostly taken up by the foliage, but there can be a small
amount of root uptake (xylem movement)
Soil persistence: May last + 2 weeks

Lipid Synthesis Inhibitor Injury Symptoms

- plants appear to be undergoing senescence
- injury on grass plants only
- chlorosis to necrosis of grasses
- growing point separates
- slow acting (7 to 14 days)

Lipid Synthesis Inhibitors on the Market

Aryloxyphenoxypropionates
fenoxaprop Acclaim
diclofop methyl Illoxon
fluazifop Fusilade

Cyclohexanediones
sethoxydirn Poast/Poast Plus/Vantage

PIGMENT INHIBITORS
MODE OF ACTION
Herbicides prevent pigment formation (e.g. chlorophyll)
Plant pigments are necessary for photosynthesis and other functions

Families:
isoxazolidinones
pyridazinones

Pigment Inhibitors:
Site of action: inhibition of carotenoid biosynthesis
Isoxazolidinones - specific sites are unknown but they are different from the pyridazinones
Pyridazinones - phytoene and phytofluene desaturase enzymes of the terpenoid pathway
Uses: Soil applied annual grass and broadleaf herbicides for crops, aquatic vegetation
Plant mobility: mobile in xylem (taken up by the roots)
Soil persistence: + 1 month to + year

Pigment Inhibitors Injury Symptoms

- plants are white to translucent
- primary photosynthetic tissue affected first
- plants often recover if only 50 % white
- Clomazone particle or vapor drift can injure susceptible plants

Pigment Inhibitor Herbicides

isoxazolidinones
clomazone Cornmand
pyridazinones
norflurazon Zorial
fluridone Sonar

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 Glossary
Herbicide Mode of Action

Callus tissue - A mass of plant cells that form at a wounded surface.

Chloroplast - A membrane-enclosed structure that contains the green pigment molecules (chlorophyll) essential for
photosynthesis (i.e., food production).

Chlorosis - A yellowing in plant color due to a decline in chlorophyll levels.

Contact herbicide -A general classification for herbicides that are unable to move within a plant. A contact
herbicide's effectiveness is highly dependent upon uniform coverage of treated soil or plant tissue.

Epinasty - A bending of plant parts (e.g., stems or leaf petioles) downwards due to increased growth on the upper
side of an affected plant part. Often associated with the plant growth regulator herbicides.

Herbicide mode of action - The sequence of events from absorption of the herbicide into the plant through plant
death. Refers to all plant-herbicide interactions.

Herbicide site of action - The primary biochemical site that is affected by the herbicide, ultimately resulting in the
death of the plant. Also referred to as herbicide mechanism of action.

Necrosis - The death of specific plant tissue while the rest of the plant is still alive. Necrotic areas are generally dark
brown in color.

Phloem - Plant tissue that functions as a conduit for the movement (translocation) of sugars and other plant nutrients.

Postemergence application - A time of herbicide application occurring after the crop and/or weeds emerge from the
soil. Also referred to as a foliar application.

Preemergence application - A time of herbicide application occurring after a crop is planted but before the crop or
weeds emerge from the soil.

Preplanting application - A time of herbicide application occurring before the crop is planted. Often followed by an
incorporation (mechanical mixing) into the top 1 to 2 inches of soil. Often referred to as a preplant incorporation
treatment.

Systemic herbicide - A general classification for herbicides that are able to move away from the site of absorption to
other parts of the plant.

Translocation - The movement of water, plant sugars, and nutrients, herbicides, and other soluble materials from one
plant part to another.

Translucent - An absence of leaf tissue pigments that results in the diffusion of light, giving the plant an off-white
color.

Xylem - Plant tissue that functions as a conduit for the upward movement (translocation) of water from the roots to
above-ground plant parts.

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 An Overview of Herbicide Mode of Action
by Mary L. Ketchersid

Questions for the end of the session: An Overview of Herbicide Mode of Action

For each of the statements below select the herbicide group being described from the following list:
A. Growth Regulator Herbicides
B. Photosynthesis Inhibitors
C. Pigment Inhibitors
D. Seedling Growth Inhibitors
E. Membrane Disrupters and Organic Arsenicals
F. Lipid Synthesis Inhibitors
G. Amino Acid Synthesis Inhibitors (ALS site)
H. Other Herbicides That Inhibit Amino Acid Synthesis (at different sites)

_____ 1. Herbicides in this group kill weed seedlings as they germinate and before they emerge. If
they work correctly you never see the weeds.

_____ 2. Herbicides in this group may be applied pre-emergence but the seedlings will emerge prior to
dying. They are most effective controlling broadleaf plants and work by preventing the
synthesis of food. Affected leaves turn yellow, then brown, and die.

_____ 3. These herbicides are used in very small amounts and may control both grass and broadleaf
weeds; however it is important to read the label carefully because each herbicide in the group
may control different weeds and be safe for different crops. They are called AHAS/ALS
inhibitors because they block production of branched chain amino acids. They tend to act
slowly and may have both foliar and soil activity.

_____ 4. Herbicides in this group only control grass weeds and have no effect on broadleaf plants or
sedges.

_____ 5. This group of herbicides are among the best at killing all vegetation in an area using a post
emergence application. They inhibit the production of aromatic amino acids or stop the
incorporation of ammonia into glutamine. They tend to act slowly and have NO soil activity.

_____ 6. This group of herbicides will kill only the plant tissue that it hits, they do NOT translocate,
they act very rapidly, they usually do not have soil activity and they include the herbicides
with the highest human toxicity.

_____ 7. This group of herbicides is used to control broadleaf weeds postemergence and typically
cause stems and leaves of plants to twist and curl and become distorted. These herbicides
translocate to growing points and interfere with cell growth processes causing
undifferentiated callus tissue to develop.

_____ 8. This group of herbicides are easy to recognize because the sun destroys the chlorophyll in
affected plants causing them to turn white or have a bleached appearance.

ANSWERS:
1-D 2-B 3-G 4-F
5-H 6-E 7-A 8-C

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 HERBICIDE RESISTANT WEEDS

Herbicide Resistance: This refers to plants that are no longer controlled by a previously effective
herbicide(s) due to biochemical changes in the resistant biotypes. Herbicide resistant biotypes are greatest
when the herbicide has only a single site of action

Herbicide "families" with resistant weeds in the U.S.

> 53 Species
> 5 herbicide families
dinitroanilines
imidazolinones/sulfonylureas
triazines
aryloxyphenoxypropionates

Managing Herbicide Resistance

- rotate herbicide families
- use herbicides with different modes of action
- use mixtures with different modes of action
- control weedy escapes
- practice good sanitation
- prevent the spread of resistant weeds
- integrate cultural, mechanical and chemical management practices
- crop rotation

Agricultural & Environmental Safety < http://agenvsafety.tamu.edu/ >

Herbicide Mode of Action < http://agenvsafety.tamu.edu/mary/Moa.htm >
Plant Identification < http://agenvsafety.tamu.edu/mary/Wdid.htm >

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