Microbial HemG-type protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase enzymes for biotechnology applications in plant herbicide tolerance traits.

Background: Protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides act by inhibiting a key enzyme in the heme and chlorophyll biosynthetic pathways in plants. This enzyme, the PPO enzyme, is conserved across plant species. However, some microbes are known to utilize a unique family of PPO enzymes, the HemG family.

Development of enzymes for robust aryloxyphenoxypropionate and synthetic auxin herbicide tolerance traits in maize and soybean crops.

Background: Effective management of weedy species in agricultural fields is essential for maintaining favorable growing conditions and crop yields. The introduction of genetically modified crops containing herbicide tolerance traits has been a successful additional tool available to farmers to better control weeds. However, weed resistance challenges present a need for additional herbicide tolerance trait options.