Compositions and methods of use for ketones and aldehydes as herbicides are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method includes applying an effective amount of an herbicide composition comprising an acyclic, chemically-synthesized or plant-derived ketone or aldehyde of the invention to a locus where undesirable vegetation is to be controlled. The plant-derived or synthesized ketone may be a 2-undecanone. Further, various other acyclic ketones and aldehydes and their derivatives may be used.