What is the term for herbicides that are effective against specific targets?

Selective herbicides are specifically designed to affect certain types of plants while leaving others unharmed. This selectivity is often based on the biochemical differences between the target species and non-target species. For instance, a selective herbicide may be effective against broadleaf weeds without damaging grasses, making it particularly useful in agricultural and landscaping applications where maintaining the desired plant types is crucial.

In contrast, systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and move throughout its system to target tissues, which doesn't necessarily imply specificity. Broad spectrum herbicides are capable of killing a wide range of plants, both desirable and undesirable, while insecticides are meant for the control of insect pests, not plants. Understanding these definitions is important for making informed decisions about pest control in aquatic environments, where protecting native and desirable species is often a priority.