Tags: Chemical Compound, Chemical Substance.
Mesotrione is an herbicide sold under the brand names Callisto and Tenacity. It is a synthetic analog of leptospermone developed to mimic the effects of this natural herbicide. Mesotrione works by inhibiting the plant enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) which is necessary for carotenoid biosynthesis. Without the protection from carotenoids the chlorophyll necessary for plant growth is degraded by sunlight.
