What type of herbicide is Paraquat categorized as?

Paraquat is categorized as a contact herbicide, which means it works by damaging the parts of the plant it comes into direct contact with. It is not absorbed and translocated throughout the plant like systemic herbicides, which move through the plant's vascular system to target internal growth points. As a contact herbicide, Paraquat is effective in killing the foliage of weeds upon contact but does not affect the roots or the inner systems of the plant. This mode of action makes it particularly useful for quickly desiccating unwanted vegetation without long-term soil residual effects, which is characteristic of residual herbicides.

Furthermore, while some may wonder about selective herbicides, which can target specific species of plants while leaving others unharmed, Paraquat is non-selective, meaning it will affect any green plant it contacts. Knowing the distinct classification of Paraquat as a contact herbicide helps in understanding its application methods and informs safety procedures necessary during its use.