Which aquatic herbicide is known to turn treated plants white?

Fluridone is known for its distinctive effect on aquatic plants, often causing them to turn white after treatment. This occurs because fluridone works as a selective herbicide that inhibits the production of carotenoids, pigments essential for photosynthesis and protecting plants from damage caused by light. When the carotenoid production is halted, the plants lose their green color and become bleached or appear white. This visual symptom is a clear indicator that fluridone is affecting the targeted plants, making it easier for applicators to assess treatment efficacy.

Other herbicides listed may have different modes of action or effects, but they do not produce the same noticeable whitening effect on plants. Glyphosate, for instance, tends to cause general browning and wilting as it disrupts the plant's ability to produce proteins, while imazapyr and triclopyr affect other metabolic pathways without producing the specific color change associated with fluridone. Understanding these distinctions helps applicators select the appropriate herbicide for their specific management needs.