| Abstract: | Mechanisms of herbicide resistance include (1) modified target site, (2) enhanced detoxification or delayed activation, and (3) alterations in the uptake, translocation, or compartmentalization of a herbicide. The first two mechanisms have mainly been identified in plants. Herbicide resistance genes were isolated for several herbicides of different modes of action. Genes that coded for herbicide target or detoxification enzymes were transferred into crop plants. The transgenic plants expressing these genes were tolerant of the active ingredients of herbicides. Before commercialization, the transgenic plants were tested in the field for risk assessment. In the case of crops with herbicide detoxification enzymes, including cytochrome-P450-species-metabolizing xenobiotics, the substrate specificity of the enzymes as well as the toxicological properties of the herbicide metabolites and the pattern of secondary metabolites in plants must be evaluated. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry |
