This publication is based on the plant processes and reaction sites for which reliable knowledge on both their physiology and biochem-istry and the mode of herbicidal action is available. Targets of the agrochemical research, such as enzymes of biosynthetic pathways or herbicide-binding peptides in the photosynthetic membrane, are highlighted. Detailed knowledge about the target sites will allow bio-chemical model systems to evaluate the biological activity of newly synthesized compounds before their conventional screening in the greenhouse. Quantitative structure/activity relationships...

Chemical pest control is in use in practically every country in the world since agrochemicals play a decisive role in ensuring food supply and protection against damage by pests, insects and pathogenic fungi. Particularly in the half century since World War II, food production has risen dramatically in most parts of the world. In the last 20 years, the yield of major crops has roughly doubled in Western agriculture and there is still the potential for further achievements, particularly in the developing countries. The world's cereal and rice production, now more than 2 billion tons/year, has...

Experts in herbicide research and development - chemists and plant physiologists -, have written 15 chapters that review all aspects pertinent to peroxidizing herbicides, compounds of topical interest since extremely low use rates ensure high environmental safety. Topics covered include structure-activity relationships, relevant patent literature, preparative methods, modes of action, greenhouse screening, laboratory assays, plant pigment biochemistry, and enzymology of the decisive target enzyme of this class of herbicides. This comprehensive review will be welcomed as a unique and timely...