Herbicide Uses in Agriculture: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)

Herbicides like 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) are designed to kill target species while leaving desirable species such as certain crops unharmed. 2,4-D is used to control broad-leaf weeds. It is the most widely used herbicide in the world, and the 3rd most common in North America. More than 1,500 herbicide products contain 2,4-D as an active ingredient sold under a wide variety of brand names. 2,4-D is generally applied as a salt solution or a more potent ester formulation. These chemicals interfere with the growth hormones of target species or so called “weeds” and are classified as plant growth regulators. The chemical is absorbed through a plant’s leaves and effects growth at the apical meristems. The effected plant literally grows itself to death. In a short time plants show leaf curl and withering. Herbicides like 2,4-D are commonly used on industrial sites, railways, and roadsides. Lesser quantities are applied to forest stands, pastures and wildlife management areas. 2,4-D was a component in "Agent Orange" widely used as a defoliant in Vietnam that has now been linked with cancer.