Natural Herbicide from Fungus Extract Shows Promise Against Water Hyacinth

Jim Crocker
23rd August, 2024

Natural Herbicide from Fungus Extract Shows Promise Against Water Hyacinth

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang found that a crude extract from Fusarium equiseti can effectively damage water hyacinth
  • The extract caused visible damage to water hyacinth leaves, including yellowing and browning, within three days
  • The extract reduced photosynthetic pigments and increased cell damage indicators in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting it disrupts plant processes
Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is a notorious invasive aquatic weed that causes severe environmental degradation and economic burdens. Traditional control methods have proven ineffective without sustained community involvement and an integrated approach[2]. Recent research from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang has explored a novel solution by isolating Fusarium equiseti from the weed plant Tridax procumbens and producing a crude extract with 75% ethanol for use as a natural herbicide[1]. The study tested the herbicidal effect of F. equiseti extract on water hyacinth through a leaf disk assay at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% w/v crude extract. Visual toxicity symptoms such as chlorosis and yellow leaves with dark brown edges were evident three days post-treatment. Photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids, showed a dose-dependent decrease, while measures of membrane integrity, such as electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, exhibited dose-dependent increases with higher extract concentrations. Additionally, a cytogenetic assay on Allium cepa L. roots revealed a reduction in the mitotic index and depigmentation as early as 24 hours after herbicide application. Anatomical analysis of treated E. crassipes leaves confirmed degradation or damage to the ground tissue. These results indicate that F. equiseti crude extract could be a sustainable alternative for managing water hyacinth invasions. This study builds upon previous research that highlights the potential of natural herbicides in sustainable agriculture. For instance, nanoemulsions of garden savory essential oil have demonstrated significant herbicidal activity against various weeds, reducing germination and growth through mechanisms like membrane disruption[3]. Similarly, citronella essential oil nanoemulsions have shown promise as natural herbicides, causing membrane integrity loss and reduced photosynthetic pigment content in treated plants[4]. These studies emphasize the potential of plant-derived compounds as eco-friendly substitutes for synthetic herbicides, aligning with the broader goal of achieving sustainability in agriculture[5]. The findings from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang contribute to this growing body of evidence by offering a new natural herbicide derived from F. equiseti, which not only targets water hyacinth but also demonstrates a clear mode of action through the disruption of photosynthetic processes and membrane integrity. This approach could be particularly beneficial for rural communities, providing an environmentally friendly and economically viable method for managing invasive weeds[2]. Overall, the study's results support the potential of F. equiseti crude extract as a sustainable herbicide, expanding the toolkit of natural herbicides available for integrated weed management strategies. This aligns with the broader trend of exploring plant-derived compounds as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, promoting ecological balance and sustainability in agriculture[5].

AgricultureEnvironmentPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) The effect of natural herbicide from Fusarium equiseti crude extract on the aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms).

Published 22nd August, 2024

Journal: Scientific reports

Issue: Vol 14, Issue 1, Aug 2024

Related Studies

2) Invasive Water Hyacinth: Ecology, Impacts and Prospects for the Rural Economy.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081613

3) Natural herbicide activity of Satureja hortensis L. essential oil nanoemulsion on the seed germination and morphophysiological features of two important weed species.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.041

4) Citronella essential oil-based nanoemulsion as a post-emergence natural herbicide.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48328-6

5) Allelopathy: an alternative tool for sustainable agriculture.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12298-023-01305-9


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