What is the reason for treating plants during their early growth stages?

Treating plants during their early growth stages is particularly effective because, at this stage, they tend to be more susceptible to herbicides. Young plants usually have softer tissues and are still developing their physiological systems, making them more vulnerable to the active ingredients in herbicides. As plants mature, they generally develop greater resistance to herbicides due to factors such as tougher cell walls and more robust metabolic pathways that can neutralize or evade the effects of the chemicals.

While it may be true that younger plants can be easier to identify and may require less herbicide for treatment, the key consideration in pest control strategies is the susceptibility to the herbicides used. Thus, targeting them early in their growth maximizes control efficiency and minimizes the likelihood of established populations that are harder to control later on.