A wide variety of herbicides is now available for selective control of the growth of weeds, and it is important for scientists to acquire a detailed understanding of their scientific basis. Recently developed herbicides are highly effective inhibitors of specific enzyme systems, provided that efficient delivery of the active ingredients is achieved at specific target sites. This volume provides a comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of the mechanisms of action of herbicides, their selectivity and their environmental fate. Authors emphasise applied aspects of the subject and concentrate on the developments of the last decade. This volume is directed at researchers and professionals in plant molecular biology, genetics, toxicology, biochemists and physiology.