Types of Aquatic Herbicides & Their Modes of Action
Aquatic herbicides are used to control unwanted vegetation in ponds, lakes, and other water bodies. They are classified based on their mode of action:
Contact Herbicides
- Mode of Action: Kills plant tissue on contact, causing rapid dieback but not affecting the roots.
- Examples on the Market:
- Reward (Diquat Dibromide) – Fast-acting, used for submerged and floating weeds.
- Propeller (Flumioxazin) – Effective against duckweed and algae.
- Clipper (Flumioxazin) – Broad-spectrum control of aquatic plants.
Systemic Herbicides
- Mode of Action: Absorbed by plants and transported to the roots, killing the entire plant.
- Examples on the Market:
- Rodeo (Glyphosate) – Used for emergent and shoreline vegetation.
- Clearcast (Imazamox) – Controls floating, emergent, and submersed weeds.
- Sonar (Fluridone) – Long-term control of submerged weeds like hydrilla.
Selective Herbicides
- Mode of Action: Targets specific plant types without harming others.
- Examples on the Market:
- Renovate (Triclopyr) – Effective on broadleaf weeds and woody plants.
- Galleon (Penoxsulam) – Used for floating and submerged weeds.
Non-Selective Herbicides
- Mode of Action: Kills all plant types, affecting both broadleaf and grass-like species.
- Examples on the Market:
- Aquaneat (Glyphosate-based) – Controls emergent weeds and shoreline plants.
- Tsunami DQ (Diquat Dibromide) – Broad-spectrum control, similar to Reward.
Algaecides
- Mode of Action: Disrupts photosynthesis or destroys algal cells to eliminate algae growth.
- Examples on the Market:
- Cutrine-Plus (Copper-Based) – Controls filamentous and planktonic algae.
- GreenClean Pro (Peroxygen-based) – Immediate algae kill, organic option.
- SeClear (Copper Algaecide & Water Quality Enhancer) – Controls algae while improving water clarity.
Each herbicide has specific application guidelines and environmental considerations, so always follow label instructions to protect aquatic life.
At BES-TEX Supply, we are your go-to source for all your herbicide needs. Whether you're managing pastures, rangeland, or lawns, we have the right solutions to keep unwanted weeds under control. Visit us at 4512 Adobe Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903, or call 325.653.1300. Let us help you protect your land with the best herbicides available!