Rimsulfuron is a member of the sulfonylurea family. Sulfonylureas (SUs) are a class of environmentally compatible herbicides that were discovered by DuPont. SUs represent a major advance in weed control technology by introducing a unique mode of action that is engineered to inhibit an enzyme found mainly in plants, but not in mammals or other animals.
This target enzyme, known as acetolactate synthase (ALS), is part of a cascade of reactions that catalyze the biosyntheses of the branched-chain amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine. Branched-chain amino acids are required components of the growth processes in cell division. These amino acids, along with others, are assembled into proteins necessary for all physiological functions.
Weeds are controlled by a combination of post-emergence activity and soil absorption, as rimsulfuron is absorbed by both plant roots and foliage. Rapid translocation of rimsulfuron to various regions of the plant to inhibit cell growth occurs, resulting in effective weed control.
