Exploring the use of natural products as alternatives to chemical herbicides

Researchers from the University of Samarra in Iraq looked at the potential of plant extracts as natural alternatives to herbicides. They published their work in the Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine

• In agriculture, weeds are a significant factor when it comes to determining production.
• Current practices for managing weeds often include synthetic weedicides, which negatively affect the environment.
• For this study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of aqueous extract from oleander (Nerium oleander), olives (Olea europaea) and castor (Ricinus communis) against nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus).
• Two experiments were carried out to assess the extracts’ effects on germination and seedling growth.
• The team found that oleander extract had 90% seedling growth inhibition at concentrations of 5% and 10% — which was compatible with the chemical herbicide tribenuron.

They concluded that plant extracts could be a viable alternative to chemical herbicides.

Learn more about other natural herbicides at Harvest.news.

Journal Reference:

Al-Samarai G, Mahdi W, Al-Hilali B. REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION BY CHEMICAL HERBICIDES USING NATURAL PLANT DERIVATIVES – ALLELOPATHY EFFECT. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. March 2018;25(3):449–452. DOI: 10.26444/aaem/90888