Mode of Resistance and/or Tolerance Action of Paraquat

Resistance to paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridilium ion) has developed in 12 species of 8 genera to which paraquat has been applied 6 to 10 times per year for 5 or more years. In recent years, tolerance to paraquat has been found in Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Liboch. ex Fisch. & Mey. which has never been applied with any herbicides involving paraquat. In this review, we differentiate the terms, resistance and tolerance, on the basis of the paraquat-exposure history. Five hypotheses have been evaluated in several species as potential mechanisms of paraquat resistance and/or tolerance. In a species, the mode of action may be due to 1) reduced quantities of paraquat absorbed through the leaf surface, 2) detoxification of paraquat caused by the enhanced paraquat-metabolic activity, 3) rapid sequestration reducing level of paraquat at the site of action in chloroplast, 4) alteration of site of action in photosystem I resulting in interruption of electron transport to paraquat, and 5) rapid enzymatic detoxification of superoxide and other toxic forms of oxygen.