Where it all began

In the 1940’s, there were few herbicides and it was simple, either you used 2,4-D for broadleaves or you used some non selective herbicide such as lead arsenate or salt. Today, the list of available herbicides has grown into the hundreds. Not only is the number of herbicides larger but there are many different herbicides with the same active ingredients marketed under different product names.

In the 1970’s, when herbicide development exploded, it became apparent that there was a need for a system to keep these products organized. The system was not based on products names but rather focused on how a herbicide acted upon the plant. Once understood, this system allows for the proper herbicide selection, resistance management strategies, and the more efficient diagnosing of herbicide injury symptoms.