Paraquat

A Paraquat (C₁₂H₁₄N₂) is a contact herbicide with two pyridyl rings most often sold in the form of paraquat dichloride. It is used against aquatic weeds, weeds in seed crops and orchards, as a defoliant for cotton and potato and as a soybean harvest tool.

Its use has been banned in France and in Europe since a judgement by the Court of first instance of the European Communities of 11 July 2007, especially because of links with Parkinson's disease and other effects of the substance on the health of workers and wild animals.