Inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase activity and selectivity of new compound EK-5439

3-Chloro-2-[4-chloro-2-fluoro-5-(5-methyl-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazol-5-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahy dro-2H-indazole(EK-5439) demonstrated rice selectivity and herbicidal activity on annual weeds, such as Echinochloa oryzicola, Monochoria vaginalis, Lindernia pyxidaria, Rotala indica, Aneilema keisak, Cyperus difformis, and Ludwigia prostrata at doses of 16-63 g a.i./ha. However, the application window was limited from pre-emergence to 5 days after transplanting. The control efficacy of EK-5439 on barnyardgrass was 4 times higher than that of oxadiazon. EK-5439 was excellently safe to the 16 different transplanted rice cultivars treated 2 days after transplanting. These compounds have the mechanism of action on the chlorophyll biosynthesis like protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase inhibitors.