Which weed type does glyphosate primarily target?

Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that primarily targets broadleaf weeds and grasses, making it particularly effective on emergent and rooted floating plants that are prevalent in aquatic environments. It works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway that is crucial for the growth of plants, which is absent in animals and humans.

While glyphosate is effective on emergent plants, which grow above water, it can also impact some floating plants; however, it is not specifically designed to target submersed plants or algae. Submersed plants thrive underwater and may not absorb glyphosate effectively because it typically requires foliage contact to be absorbed, limiting its efficacy on these types of aquatic plants. Similarly, bloom-forming algae are not plants but rather simple organisms that do not fit the typical plant structure glyphosate targets. Therefore, the focus on emergent and rooted floating types aligns with glyphosate's mode of action and intended use in managing aquatic vegetation.