CHM1080: A novel light-dependent herbicide targeting carotenoid biosynthesis for broad-leaf weed control

Overview

CHM1080 is a novel herbicidal compound structurally related to strobilurin fungicides such as kresoxim-methyl and azoxystrobin, yet it displays a fundamentally different biological profile. While its parent compounds are fungicides, CHM1080 demonstrates strong herbicidal activity against broad-leaf weeds and no fungicidal activity. Notably, CHM1080 only works under light conditions and produces bleaching symptoms in treated weeds within 12 hours, suggesting a new mode of action distinct from existing herbicides. These characteristics position CHM1080 as a promising candidate for addressing herbicide resistance and expanding the toolkit available to crop protection professionals.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Unique chemical structure differentiated from existing commercial herbicides
• Light-dependent herbicidal activity, producing bleaching symptoms in weeds within 12 hours of treatment
• Effective at low application rates (18.75 g active ingredient per hectare) against major broad-leaf weeds including Abutilon theophrasti, Eclipta prostrata, Xanthium sibiricum, Solanum nigrum, Portulaca oleracea, and Nicandra physaloides
• RNA-seq analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana reveals differential expression of genes mediating carotenoid biosynthesis, indicating a potential novel target site
• Does not control grass weeds such as Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria viridis, and Echinochloa crusgalli, indicating selectivity for broad-leaf species

Technology readiness level

CHM1080 has demonstrated strong herbicidal efficacy in controlled testing against multiple broad-leaf weed species at low application rates. RNA-seq studies have identified candidate genes associated with carotenoid biosynthesis as potential molecular targets. Future validation efforts will focus on screening candidate differentially expressed genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and Descurainia sophia, followed by heterologous expression studies to confirm the action targets. The compound is at an early-to-mid stage of development, with ongoing target identification and further biological characterization required before commercial readiness.