Which herbicide can control both broadleaves and a few annual grasses?

Mesotrione is an effective herbicide that offers control over both broadleaf weeds and select annual grass species. It acts by inhibiting the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), which is crucial in the biosynthetic pathway for certain carotenoid pigments in plants. As a result, susceptible plants are unable to produce these pigments, leading to their eventual death.

This dual action makes mesotrione particularly valuable for turfgrass management, where the presence of both broadleaves and some grassy weeds can be detrimental to the desired turf quality. In many turf situations, the ability to address both types of unwanted vegetation with a single application simplifies management practices, saving time and reducing the need for multiple herbicides.

Other herbicides listed may target specific types of weeds or may not be as effective against both groups. For instance, while glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that kills all plants it contacts, it doesn't offer a selective approach necessary for dealing with unwanted vegetation in established turf.