At what stage are all weeds most sensitive to control measures?

Weeds are most sensitive to control measures during the seedling stage. At this early phase in their development, plants are still vulnerable and have not yet developed the resilience or the extensive root systems that allow them to withstand various control methods, including herbicides. The physiology of seedlings means they are actively growing and utilizing nutrients and water from the soil, which makes them susceptible to treatments designed to disrupt this growth.

In contrast, during later growth stages, such as the boot, milk, and dough stages, weeds have established more robust structures and may have developed mechanisms to resist or recover from herbicide application. Understanding the life cycle of weeds and their sensitivity to control measures at various stages is critical for effective weed management and maximizing the efficacy of herbicides.