How does 2,4-D work? : 2,4-D | Selective Herbicide | Protects Crops & Infrastructure

2,4-D was the first selective herbicide. It destroys broadleaf plants (dicots -plants with two seed leaves) and leaves thin leaf plants (monocots – plants with one seed leaf) alone. It causes the broadleaf plants to essentially grow itself to death while leaving plants like wheat, corn, rice, and many others to thrive.