Benzofuran-7-yl uracil derivatives and herbicides

PCT No. PCT/JP97/00320 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 5, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 5, 1998 PCT Filed Feb. 7, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97/29105 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 14, 1997A benzofuran-7-yl uracil derivative represented by the general formula (1): (wherein each of X and Y is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or the like, R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the like, R2 is a haloalkyl group or the like, R3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or the like, each of R4 and R5 which are independent of each other, is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a haloalkyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a phenyl group, a benzyl group, a nitro group or the like), and a herbicide containing it as an active ingredient. The compound of the present invention represented by the general formula (1) exhibits excellent herbicidal effects against various weeds which cause trouble in upland fields, such as, broad leaved weeds, gramineous weeds and perennial or annual cyperaceous weeds, over a wide range from the pre-emergence to the growing stage. It can further control annual weeds and perennial weeds growing in paddy fields.