New Auxin Mimics and Herbicides

Synthetic auxin herbicides comprise a remarkable suite of chemistries that have profound morphological effects on the growth of primarily broadleaf weeds, eventually leading to plant death. The identification of the proteins involved in auxin perception has recently enabled the development of quantitative in vitro binding assays using recombinant purified proteins in capture/pull-down experiments, radioligands, or surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Polar auxin transport is critical to plant cellular organization and morphological development. Commercial formulations of aminopyralid include standalone products and various mixtures with other commercial herbicides. The discovery and physical and biological properties of aminocyclopyrachlor are discussed. Auxin mimic herbicides were the first selective organic compounds developed for weed control. Unlike other herbicide chemical classes, synthetic auxins are not categorized based on their molecular mode of action. Arylex readily degrades in plant tissues and exhibits natural selectivity to most cereal crops including wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and teff.