What is a key characteristic of diquat?

The key characteristic of diquat is that it is rapidly inactivated. This property is significant because it means that diquat breaks down quickly in the environment, reducing the risk of long-term residues that could lead to environmental contamination. This rapid degradation also minimizes the potential for accumulation in aquatic ecosystems, which can be particularly important when considering the impact on non-target organisms and water quality.

The fast inactivation rate of diquat makes it a preferred herbicide in aquatic pest control, as it allows for effective treatment of unwanted vegetation without posing a long-lasting threat to aquatic life. This is why diquat is often chosen for use in controlling problematic aquatic plants, as it effectively targets those plants while posing less risk to the broader ecosystem when used according to label directions.