T hese herbicides inhibit the steps in plant cell division responsible for chromosome separation and cell wall formation. Roots are relatively few in number and club shaped. Except for oryzalin, these compounds have water solubility less than one part per million. They bind to soil colloids and are unlikely to leach.
Losses occur through volatilization and photodegradation on soil surfaces.
Incorporation into the soil by mechanical mixing or by overhead irrigation soon after application is routinely suggested. These root inhibitors do not translocate. It removes annual grass competition from spring established turf. The shoot inhibitors are soil applied for control of seedling grasses, some broadleaves and suppression of some perennials from tubers and rhizomes. This group of very volatile herbicides is used preplant incorporated.