butafenacil

Butafenacil is a synthetic herbicide of the pyrimidinedione chemical class, primarily used for the control of broadleaf and some grass weeds in crops such as cereals and canola. It acts by inhibiting the enzyme protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), which is essential for chlorophyll formation in plants. This inhibition leads to an accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, a potent photosensitizer that causes lipid peroxidation and rapid loss of cell membrane integrity, resulting in visible plant symptoms like chlorosis and necrosis[4][5][6]. Butafenacil was originally developed by Dr. R. Maag (a subsidiary of Hoffmann-La Roche), with further development by Ciba-Geigy after acquisition, and later marketed by Syngenta under brand names including B Power[4]. While it has been investigated in clinical trials for non-agricultural uses such as obstructive sleep apnea, its primary application remains agricultural weed control[2].

Brand names

B Power

Other names

INSPIRE