Which foliar applied herbicides kill broadleaves but not grasses?

The herbicide 2,4-D is classified as a phenoxy herbicide, specifically designed to target broadleaf plants while having minimal or no effect on grasses. This selective action makes it an ideal choice for managing weeds in situations such as lawns, pastures, and other grass-dominated areas where the primary goal is to control broadleaf weeds without harming the surrounding grass.

2,4-D works by mimicking natural plant hormones (auxins) that disrupt the normal growth and development of susceptible broadleaf species. This selective mechanism is based on the differences in physiology between broadleaf plants and grasses; grasses have a different response system that is not affected by 2,4-D.

In contrast, other herbicides listed do not share this selective characteristic. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that affects all plants it contacts, both grasses, and broadleaves. Chlorsulfuron is also a broadleaf-selective herbicide, but has a broader spectrum of grass species it can affect. Clethodim is a grass-selective herbicide, meaning it targets grass species rather than broadleaves.