Plant Management in Florida Waters
Chemical Control
In this context, the phrase "chemical control" refers to the use of specially formulated pesticides to kill or control plants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a pesticide as “a substance or mixture of substances intended for the prevention, destruction, repulsion, or mitigation of any pest,” including weeds. The term pesticide sometimes causes confusion as it covers a broad range of substances including herbicides (which target plants), insecticides (which target insects), fungicides (which target fungus) and others. Under United States Law, a pesticide is also a substance intended for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant or desiccant.