How does fluridone affect aquatic plants?

Fluridone is a herbicide that is used to control aquatic plants by affecting their ability to produce photosynthesizing pigments. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of carotenoid pigments, which are essential for the photosynthesis process. Because the inhibition of these pigments occurs over time, fluridone does not kill aquatic plants rapidly. Instead, it causes them to die slowly as they can no longer effectively photosynthesize, leading to their eventual decline and death. This gradual effect allows for a more controlled management of aquatic plant populations, reducing the risk of sudden biomass decay that could harm the aquatic ecosystem. The other options do not accurately represent the mechanism and timing of fluridone’s action on aquatic plants.