What type of herbicide is Diquat Dibromide?

Diquat Dibromide is classified as a contact herbicide, which means it acts on the plant tissue that it directly comes into contact with. This type of herbicide disrupts the cellular function of the plant quickly, resulting in rapid desiccation and death of the plant tissue. It is particularly effective against annual weeds and is often used in aquatic environments because it can control a variety of aquatic plants without needing to be absorbed through the roots or leaves for it to be effective.

In contrast, systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and translocated within it, affecting not only the treated area but also other parts of the plant. Selective herbicides target specific types of plants, allowing desired plants to thrive while controlling unwanted species. Preemergent herbicides prevent the germination of seeds, acting primarily before the target plants emerge from the soil.

Understanding the characteristics of Diquat Dibromide as a contact herbicide aids in its proper application and reinforces the importance of knowing how different herbicides work in various environments.