Bioherbicides: Dead in the water? A review of the existing products for integrated weed management

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 alpha-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.