The metabolism of a novel herbicide ZJ0273 in oilseed rape and crickweed

Experiments were conducted to investigate the metabolism of a novel herbicide ZJ0273 in the seedlings of the susceptible crickweed and tolerant oilseed rape. Six metabolites of ZJ0273 were identified in crickweed seedlings, compared to 8 metabolites in oilseed rape. Among these metabolites, the metabolite M7, with the chemical name of 2-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yloxy) benzoic acid, was found to be the most herbicidally effective molecule with significant inhibition to acetolactate synthase. The differences in the amount and rate of ZJ0273 transformation to M7, and its metabolic detoxification, contributed to the primary mechanism of herbicidal selectivity of ZJ0273.

Graphical abstractThe metabolic pathway of ZJ0273 in the plants. Transformations labeled with “OR” were observed only in the oilseed rape.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The metabolism of the new herbicide ZJ0273 in crickweed and oilseed rape was elucidated. ► Metabolite M7, an O-pyrimidinylsalicylic acid, is indicated as the probable herbicidal agent. ► Differences in metabolism likely contribute to the selectivity of ZJ0273..