The action of herbicides on fatty acid biosynthesis and elongation in barley and cucumber

BACKGROUND: Herbicides that affect lipid metabolism have been used commercially for many years. Here, napropamide, diphenamid, dimethachlor and cafenstrole are compared; these have all been classified by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as K₃ herbicides and inhibitors of cell division and/or synthesis of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). In addition, spiro‐decanedione A and pinoxaden dione are compared as inhibitors of lipid synthesis through inhibition of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase). RESULTS: Whereas the chloracetamide dimethachlor and the carboxyamide cafenstrole potently inhibited VLCFA synthesis in both barley and cucumber, the acetamides napropamide and diphenamid which are also classified as K₃ herbicides and likewise the unclassified herbicide cinmethylin did not. The graminicide pinoxaden dione inhibited de novo fatty acid synthesis in barley, but not in cucumber, and correspondingly inhibited the plastid form of maize ACCase much more than the cytosolic form (IC₅₀ values of 0.1 and 17 µM ). By contrast, spiro‐decanedione A exhibited herbicidal effects not only on grasses but also on broad leaves, strongly inhibited maize cytosolic ACCase and inhibited synthesis of VLCFAs in cucumber. CONCLUSIONS: The acetamides napropamide and diphenamid, which do not inhibit VLCFA synthesis, should be classified separately from K₃ herbicides that do. Pinoxaden dione and spiro‐decanedione A represent new classes of chemicals acting on plant lipid synthesis. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry