| Abstract: | All currently utilized herbicides have been identified by random screening and related compounds developed by subsequent imitative chemistry. Little success has as yet been achieved by rational design. Ideas for herbicide design are discussed in relationship to enzyme inhibition, enzyme regulation and the accumulation of toxic metabolites. A number of herbicides in current use function either by promoting the formation of toxic radicals or by inhibiting protective systems. There is scope for the development of protective enzyme inhibitors, as well as the modulation of other scavenging systems. Natural or synthetic photosensitizers as well as a number of allelopathic chemicals could be used as herbicides. Herbicide selectivity could be investigated by the selective inhibition of C4 photosynthesis enzymes, by a detailed examination of enzyme diversity, or by the modulation of mono-oxygenase enzymes or glutathione conjugation. |
