Weed Control Efficacy and Crop-Weed Selectivity of a New Bioherbicide WeedLock

Plant-based bioherbicides could be an effective alternative to current chemical herbicides for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, this research evaluated the weed control efficacy and crop-weed selectivity of the new plant-derived bioherbicide WeedLock compared to commercial herbicides in glasshouse and field conditions. In the glasshouse, the herbicides applied were WeedLock (672.75, 1345.50, 2691.00 L ha(-1)), glyphosate isopropyl-amine, and glufosinate-ammonium (1, 2, 4 L ha(-1)), over the untreated (control) on six weeds and four crops. In the field trial, typical weeds were allowed to grow at a uniform density across plots (2.5 x 2.5 m), and WeedLock (1345.50, 2691.00 L ha(-1)), glyphosate isopropyl-amine, and glufosinate-ammonium (2, 4 L ha(-1)) were applied along with untreated plot (control). A randomized complete block design was set with four replications for glasshouse and field experiments. WeedLock at 1345.50 L ha(-1) showed efficacy similar to glyphosate isopropyl-amine and glufosinate-ammonium at 2 L ha(-1) for Ageratum conyzoides L. in the glasshouse. Applied herbicides killed all tested crops except Zea mays L. at 1345.50 L ha(-1) (WeedLock). WeedLock showed more than 50% efficacy at 35 days after spray, while 65% was produced by glyphosate isopropyl-amine and glufosinate-ammonium compared to the untreated plot (control). WeedLock has excellent potential to control weeds in both glasshouse and field conditions and showed a non-selective character.

Automated summary

Plant-based bioherbicide WeedLock demonstrated effective weed control and non-selectivity in both glasshouse and field conditions. Compared to chemical herbicides, WeedLock showed similar efficacy to glyphosate isopropyl-amine for Ageratum conyzoides L. and displayed sustainable weed control potential in the experiments.