Pre-Emergent

Types of Pre-Emergent Herbicides & Their Modes of Action

Pre-emergent herbicides prevent the germination of specific weeds while leaving desirable crops or turf unaffected. These herbicides are primarily used in lawns, landscapes, and agricultural settings to control weeds before they emerge from the soil.

Seed Germination Inhibitors (Cell Division and Growth Inhibitors)

• Mode of Action: These herbicides prevent the weed seeds from germinating by affecting cell division and early-stage plant development.
• Examples on the Market:
  • Pendulum AquaCap (Pendimethalin) – Controls grassy and broadleaf weeds in landscapes, turf, and ornamental plantings.
  • Snapshot (Isoxaben + Trifluralin) – Broad-spectrum control for pre-emergent weed control in turf and landscapes.
  • Dimension 2EW (Dithiopyr) – Controls both grassy and broadleaf weeds, commonly used in turfgrass and ornamental beds.

Protein Synthesis Inhibitors (Cellular Division and Development)

• Mode of Action: Inhibits protein synthesis in seeds, preventing proper growth and development.
• Examples on the Market:
  • Barricade (Prodiamine) – Controls a wide range of grass and broadleaf weeds in lawns, turf, and ornamental landscapes.
  • Team (Trifluralin) – Used for pre-emergent control of grass and broadleaf weeds in crops and landscapes.
  • Surflan (Oryzalin) – Prevents weed seed germination in landscapes and nurseries.

Photosynthesis Inhibitors (Pigment Disruptors)

• Mode of Action: These herbicides inhibit photosynthesis in germinating weeds, preventing them from producing energy and growing.
• Examples on the Market:
  • Simazine (Simazine-based) – Controls broadleaf and grassy weeds in turf, ornamentals, and non-crop areas.
  • Princep (Simazine) – Effective against broadleaf weeds in landscapes, turf, and ornamental plantings.

Root and Shoot Development Inhibitors (Growth Inhibitors)

• Mode of Action: These herbicides disrupt root and shoot formation in germinating seeds, preventing plant establishment.
• Examples on the Market:
  • Ronstar (Oxadiazon) – Controls both grassy and broadleaf weeds in landscapes and turfgrass.
  • Karma (Flumioxazin) – Used for controlling pre-emergent broadleaf weeds in ornamental plantings and non-crop areas.

Germination and Emergence Disruptors (Selective Herbicides)

• Mode of Action: These herbicides target specific weed species by disrupting their ability to germinate or emerge from the soil.
• Examples on the Market:
  • Snapshot (Isoxaben + Trifluralin) – Pre-emergent control of a wide variety of annual broadleaf and grassy weeds in turf, ornamental, and non-crop areas.
  • Prodiamine (Barricade) – Commonly used for control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in lawns and ornamental settings.

These selective pre-emergent herbicides effectively control weeds before they become problematic, protecting desirable plants while preventing weed establishment. Always follow label instructions for proper application to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these products.

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!