Linuron Explained

Linuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea) is a phenylurea herbicide^[1] that is used to control the growth of grass and weeds for the purpose of supporting the growth of crops like soybeans.^{[2] [3]}

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

Linuron acts via inhibition of photosystem II, which is necessary for photosynthetic electron transport in plants.

Effects in animals

Linuron has been found to produce reproductive toxicity in animals by acting as an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, and for this reason, is considered to be an endocrine disruptor.^[4] Consequently, in January 2017, the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) of the European Commission DG "Health and food safety" decided to not renew its regulatory approval.^[5] Sales are expected to cease by June 2017.

See also

• Diuron
• Monolinuron

Notes and References

1. Maier-Bode H, Härtel K . Linuron and monolinuron . Residue Reviews . 77 . 1–364 . 1981 . 7017855 . 10.1007/978-1-4612-5874-2_1 . 978-1-4612-5876-6 . Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology .
2. Book: Mercurio S . Understanding Toxicology. 30 August 2016. Jones & Bartlett Learning. 978-1-284-12761-4. 705–.
3. Book: Roberts TR . Metabolic Pathways of Agrochemicals. 1998. Royal Society of Chemistry. 978-0-85404-494-8. 744–.
4. Peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance linuron. EFSA Journal. July 2016. 14. 7. 10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4518. free.
5. Web site: Curtis. Marianne . vanc . Linuron fails to gain renewed approval. fginsight.com. Briefing Media Ltd. 24 May 2017.