Which category of pesticides is specifically used for controlling weeds?

Herbicides are the category of pesticides specifically designed for controlling weeds. They work by targeting the specific biological pathways or functions in plants, effectively inhibiting their growth or causing their death. This selectivity allows herbicides to eliminate unwanted vegetation while often leaving desirable plants unharmed.

Understanding that herbicides are key in agriculture and landscaping helps in managing weed populations, which can compete with crops for nutrients, water, and light, ultimately impacting yield and quality. This is particularly important in agricultural practices where maintaining crop health is critical for productivity.

In contrast, fungicides target fungal infections, insecticides are aimed at controlling insect pests, and rodenticides are formulated to manage rodent populations. Each category serves a distinct purpose in pest management, but only herbicides focus specifically on weed control.