Phytotoxicants from microorganisms and related compounds

Abstract

Abstract Phytotoxic compounds produced by microorganisms are reviewed. Their utilisation as leads to new herbicides is explored in three chemical classes : 2‐aminoalk‐3‐enoic acids, ether derivatives of 3‐hydroxycyclobut‐3‐ene‐1,2‐diones, and 2‐(acylaminooxy)acetic acid derivatives. It is concluded that some bacteria and fungi yield compounds possessing sufficient herbicidal activity to be valuable as herbicides as such, or as leads for chemical optimisation.