Isoxaflutole

Isoxaflutole (Merlin) is the inhibitor for HPPD that blocks benzoquinone biosynthesis, and results in the bleaching of weeds. Isoxaflutole can be used as herbicide^[1][2]. In Vitro:Isoxaflutole is a herbicide to control broadleaf weeds and grass weeds, and can be used for a pre-emergence control of broadleaf and grass weeds in corn and sugarcane^[1]. In Vivo:Isoxaflutole (0-1000 mg/kg, po) exhibits chronic toxicity in rats and mice, causes pathological changes in organs such as liver and thyroid, such as hepatocyte hypertrophy and thyroid follicular hyperplasia under long-term exposure. Isoxaflutole increases the incidence of liver tumors in rats and mice. Isoxaflutole exhibits no significant toxic effects on the reproductive system of rats, but may affect embryonic development at high doses^[2].