Tirexor®—design of a new resistance breaking protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibitor

Abstract Using structure-based design on the herbicidal target enzyme protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO), the new herbicide Tirexor could be identified. Tirexor shows broad-spectrum herbicidal activity in pre- and postemergence applications, as well as in preplant burndown, with selectivities in wheat, corn, and soybean in preemergence application. Due to its unique enzyme binding properties, it shows also high activity on many weeds resistant to other PPO inhibitors. The identification of tolerance traits for the potential use in Tirexor-tolerant crops could also be demonstrated.