preemergent
/priːɪˈmɜːrdʒənt/
adjective
- Applied before the emergence of something, especially a weed or plant, to prevent growth.
- Farmers often rely on preemergent chemicals to protect their crops.
- The gardener used a preemergent herbicide to stop crabgrass from sprouting.
- Preemergent treatments are most effective when applied in early spring.
Synonyms