Mesotrione: a new selective herbicide for use in maize

Abstract
Mesotrione is a new herbicide being developed for the selective pre‐ and post‐emergence control of a wide range of broad‐leaved and grass weeds in maize (Zea mays). It is a member of the benzoylcyclohexane‐1,3‐dione family of herbicides, which are chemically derived from a natural phytotoxin obtained from the Californian bottlebrush plant, Callistemon citrinus. The compound acts by competitive inhibition of the enzyme 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), a component of the biochemical pathway that converts tyrosine to plastoquinone and α‐tocopherol. Mesotrione is an extremely potent inhibitor of HPPD from Arabidopsis thaliana, with a Ki value of c 6–18 pM. It is rapidly taken up by weed species following foliar application, and is distributed within the plants by both acropetal and basipetal movement. Maize is tolerant to mesotrione as a consequence of selective metabolism by the crop plant. Slower uptake of mesotrione, relative to susceptible weed species, may also contribute to its utility as a selective herbicide for use in maize. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry

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