What is the main purpose of herbicides?

The main purpose of herbicides is to control weeds. Herbicides are specifically formulated chemicals designed to target and inhibit the growth of unwanted plants, generally known as weeds, that compete with desired crops or plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. By managing weed populations, herbicides help to enhance crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity, making them an essential tool in farming and landscaping practices.

While other options address important aspects of plant and pest management, they do not accurately reflect the primary function of herbicides. For example, insecticides would be used to eliminate insects, and fungicides are aimed at preventing plant diseases. Meanwhile, fertilizers and growth regulators are utilized for promoting plant growth, but they do not fall within the herbicide category. Thus, the correct identification of herbicides as tools for controlling weeds highlights their specialized role in agricultural and horticultural practices.