The present invention is directed to substituted bicycloheptanedion e derivatives represented by a general formula �I!; ##STR1## wherein R represents C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, R.sup.1 represents hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkynyl, aralkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 haloalkynyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 haloalkenyl, etc. and R.sup.2 represents optionally substituted phenyl or optionally substituted pyridyl, the salts thereof and herbicides comprising the same as the active ingredient.