For tough perennial woody weeds like Lantana camara or Parthenium, a systemic herbicide like Glyphosate is required to kill the root system and prevent regeneration. Contact herbicides like Paraquat only cause temporary defoliation.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Noxious woody weeds and invasive perennial shrubs require highly effective systemic herbicides to kill both the foliar parts and the extensive root systems, preventing regrowth. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the options for controlling the invasive shrub Lantana camara:
- Option (A) Simazine: A pre-emergence triazine herbicide used mainly for annual weeds. It is not effective against established perennial woody shrubs.
- Option (B) Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl: A selective post-emergence graminicide used to control grass weeds in broadleaf crops. It has no effect on dicot woody shrubs.
- Option (C) Paraquat: A non-selective contact herbicide. While it can defoliate the leaves of Lantana, it does not translocate to the roots. The shrub will quickly regenerate and sprout new leaves from its root crown.
- Option (D) Glyphosate: A non-selective, systemic translocated herbicide. It is absorbed by the foliage and translocated throughout the plant's vascular system (phloem) down to the roots and rhizomes, where it inhibits the shikimic acid pathway. This complete systemic action makes it highly effective for controlling tough, perennial woody weeds like Lantana camara. Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D).
