Which term describes chemicals that can harm all plant types at suitable application rates?

The term that accurately describes chemicals capable of harming all types of plants, regardless of the application rate, is non-selective herbicides. These types of herbicides are designed to kill or damage a wide range of plant species indiscriminately, making them effective for controlling unwanted vegetation in various settings such as gardens, lawns, and agricultural fields.

Non-selective herbicides work by targeting vital physiological processes within plants, leading to their destruction. This characteristic makes them particularly useful in situations where complete eradication of vegetation is desired, such as before establishing new plantings or during landscape renovations.

In contrast, selective herbicides are formulated to target specific types of plants, such as broadleaf weeds, while leaving grasses or other desirable species unharmed. Contact herbicides act on the part of the plant that comes into direct contact with the chemical, typically affecting only the foliage and not the root system, which limits their effectiveness against established plants. Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and translocated throughout its system, but they can also be selective or non-selective depending on their formulation.

Understanding the distinctions among these types of herbicides is crucial for effective weed management in horticulture and agriculture.