HERBICIDA MESOTRIONE

Mesotrione herbicide is an inhibitor of carotenoid biosynthesis. It is characterized by its broad spectrum of control over annual broadleaf weeds and crabgrass, which occur in corn crops, also controlling morning glory and crabgrass that occur in sugarcane crops. Mesotrione was discovered during a study to identify allelopathic compounds produced by the bottlebrush plant (Callistemon citrinus). Analogs were produced from the natural compound (leptospermone), resulting in the mesotrione molecule, with 100 times greater activity. Mesotrione belongs to the triketone chemical group and acts on weeds by inhibiting carotenoid biosynthesis through interference with the activity of the HPPD (4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase) enzyme in chloroplasts – classified in the F2 group (HRAC). Symptoms involve bleaching of susceptible weeds followed by necrosis and death of plant tissues in about 1 to 2 weeks. Corn and sugarcane are tolerant to mesotrione due to their ability to rapidly metabolize the herbicide, producing metabolites without herbicidal activity, which does not occur in susceptible weeds. Mesotrione is absorbed by roots, leaves, and branches, being a highly mobile molecule in the plant – apoplastic translocation.