Triketone herbicide for use in maize; inhibits p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). Synthetic mimic of leptospermone, a natural herbicide produced by the bottlebrush plant, Callistemon citrinus Stapf. Prepn: C. G. Carter, EP 186118 (1986 to Stauffer); idem, US 5006158 (1991 to ICI). Comprehensive description: R. A. Wichert et al., Brighton Crop Prot. Conf. - Weeds 1999, 105-110. HPLC determn in crops, soil, water: P. Alferness, L. Wiebe, J. Agric. Food Chem. 50, 3926 (2002). Adsorption and degradation in soil: J. S. Dyson et al., J. Environ. Qual. 31, 613 (2002). Review: G. Mitchell et al., Pest Manage. Sci. 57, 120-128 (2001).