Isoxazolines

Chemical compounds in the new class of isoxazoline herbicides were first disclosed in 2002 by the Kumiai Chemical Industry Co. and the Ihara Chemical Industry Co. These compounds show excellent efficacy against a wide range of grass and broadleaf weeds with both pre- and post-emergence activities, in addition to long-lasting weed control. After intensive chemical optimization, two representatives of the class – pyroxasulfone and fenoxasulfone – were introduced into some herbicide markets and are currently undergoing development. This chapter presents chemistry, biological activities, and mode of action of pyroxasulfone and fenoxasulfone. These two isoxazoline herbicides show excellent herbicidal activities against grass and broadleaf weeds with sufficient crop safety. Moreover, each herbicide has desirable physicochemical properties in terms of their application conditions. These two isoxazoline herbicides will contribute to global food production in the future.