Which structures are generally not susceptible to herbicides?

Seeds and dormant structures are generally not susceptible to herbicides due to their biological and physiological characteristics. Seeds, especially when they are in a dormant state, have protective coatings or are in a resting phase that renders them less affected by external agents, including herbicides. This dormancy allows them to withstand varying environmental conditions until favorable circumstances for germination arise.

Dormant structures may also possess mechanisms that help them resist herbicide absorption or prevent active growth processes that herbicides target. For instance, while herbicides are designed to attack actively growing tissues, dormant seeds and structures do not engage in significant metabolic activity during this time, reducing the impact of herbicides that rely on the plant’s growth processes to take effect.

Understanding the susceptibility of various plant structures to herbicides is crucial for effective weed management. This knowledge helps applicators make informed decisions about when and how to apply herbicides to achieve the best results while minimizing unintended impacts on non-target species or structures.