Which of the following is NOT a synthetic auxin?

Glyphosate is not a synthetic auxin; it is a systemic herbicide that works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway (the shikimic acid pathway) essential for plant growth. This mechanism is fundamentally different from that of synthetic auxins, which mimic the natural plant hormone auxin and primarily affect plant growth and development processes.

In contrast, 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Mecoprop are all synthetic auxins. These herbicides are designed to mimic the action of natural auxins, promoting uncontrolled growth in susceptible plants, which ultimately leads to their death. They are widely used in agricultural practices for weed control, taking advantage of their ability to disrupt normal growth patterns in broadleaf plants while having minimal impact on grasses.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective pest management, as it helps in choosing the right herbicide for specific types of plants or weeds and ensures compliance with application guidelines for environmental safety.