The invention relates to novel oxime ethers of the formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl, lower alkoxy, lower haloalkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower haloalkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, lower alkylsulfonyl, lower haloalkylsulfinyl, lower haloalkylsulfonyl or nitro, each of R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or lower haloalkoxy, and Q is an unsubstituted or substituted lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl or cycloalkyl group, a lower alkanoyl radical, an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic acyl radical which may be substituted or unsubstituted, a carbonyl or thiocarbonyl radical, an aryl or aralkyl radical, an acylimidomethyl radical, a phthalimidomethyl radical or a heterocyclic radical.These compounds are able to act as antidotes or safeners for protecting cultivated plants from the phytotoxic action of aggressive herbicides. Preferred crops are sorghum, cereals, maize and rice, and herbicides are chiefly chloroacetanilides and thiocarbamates.