Herbicides are a broad category of pesticides that are used to get rid of undesirable plants like weeds and grasses that hinder the development and productivity of desired agricultural crops. Both 2,4-D and 2,4,5T are also known as 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and
Herbicides like 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T are also referred to as auxin-typeherbicides or plant growth regulators. Auxins are hormones that affect cell division and elongation in order to control cell growth.
Auxins are required by plant cells in the proper concentration for growth and development. If auxin levels are too low, plant growth is not promoted at all, and if levels are too high, plant growth is excessively stimulated.
Most grasses are not killed by 2,4-D and 2,4,5 T, but broadleaf weeds are. It moves to the plant's meristems after being absorbed through the leaves.
These herbicides affect the tissues' cells, causing them to continually divide and proliferate. The plant finally dies as a result of this unchecked, unsustainable growth, which also causes stem curling and withering of the leaves.
Thus, by promoting cell division, these compounds act as herbicides.
