- The majority of plants reproduce through self- or cross-pollination; some use both techniques. Pollen from a plant's pistil must reach the stamen portion of a flower to become fertilized and make seed. Pollination can occur through wind blowing the pollen into the stamen, but many flowers and plants depend on bees and other insects to carry pollen from one portion of the flower to another. Insecticides indirectly prevent plants from seeding by interfering with and killing the plant's pollinators. Some examples of these insecticides are Malathian, captan and methoxychlor. Orchard owners, especially, must time their insecticide use carefully or else the pollinators die before the blossoms have a chance to become fertile.
- Pre-emergent herbicides were developed for weed control. The chemicals can be applied to flower beds and lawns and prevent broad-leaved weeds from sprouting. Trifluralin is one of the more commercially available pre-emergent herbicides. The herbicide is available in granular and liquid formulas and must be incorporated into the soil. Follow all manufacturer's directions when applying this chemical as it can be highly toxic.
- Bryophytes, including mosses, are special in that they reproduce via spores and not seed. This is why many herbicides that adequately kill weeds may not necessarily kill moss. Preventing mosses from spreading requires homeowners to create hostile environments for the moss -- limit water and increase sunlight. These methods discourage spore production. Chemicals that can reduce the amount of spores mosses produce include copper sulfate, ammonium sulfate, glyphosate and lime.
- Not all chemicals are harsh, toxic and man-made. Organic gardeners use a variety of natural chemicals or combine them with other materials to stunt weed growth and inhibit the production of seeds. Effective solutions include vinegar and lemon juice.
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