Plant cell membrane as a marker for light-dependent and light-independent herbicide mechanisms of action

► Plant membranes compartmentalize biochemical pathways and physiological functions. ► Disruption of membrane integrity can be lethal to plants. ► The effect of herbicides from all modes of action was tested on membrane integrity. ► Compounds generating ROS or targeting lipid synthesis were the most active. ► Plant plasma membrane is a good biomarker of herbicide action.