What is "hexazinone"

n. A nonselective broad-spectrum herbicide of the triazine class, used to control grasses and broadleaf and woody plants.

Hexazinone is an organic compound that is used as a broad spectrum herbicide. It is a colorless solid. It exhibits some solubility in water but is highly soluble in most organic solvents except alkanes. A member of the triazine class herbicides, it is manufactured by DuPont and sold under the trade name Velpar.

It functions by inhibiting photosynthesis and thus is a nonselective herbicide. It is used to control grasses and broadleaf and woody plants. Approximately 33% is used on alfalfa, 31% in forestry, 29% in industrial areas, 4% on rangeland and pastures, and < 2% on sugarcane.

In 1989, hexazinone was deliberately used in an act of vandalism to poison the Treaty Oak in Austin, Texas.

Hexazinone is a pervasive groundwater contaminant, due to its high water solubility.