UFMT develops bio-herbicides from plant compounds

Researchers at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) have developed bio-herbicides derived from natural sources, including various plant species and microorganisms. Preliminary results show these extracts' effectiveness in inhibiting photosynthesis, offering what the Brazilian researchers call "a sustainable solution for weed management."

The research focuses on chemical compounds known as secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which have demonstrated potential bio-herbicidal activity. These compounds are found in several species of the Hyptis, Vochysia, Delonix, Peltophorum, Licania, and Mimosa genera, native to the metropolitan region of Cuiabá, the capital of Brazil's Mato Grosso state.

Plant extracts and fractions obtained from Delonix regia, Mimosa caesalpinifolia, and Hyptis lutescens species were evaluated for their ability to inhibit photosynthesis in spinach leaf disks. According to UFMT researchers, these compounds demonstrated high phytotoxic potential when applied in low concentrations.

These preliminary results demonstrate the bio-herbicidal activity of these species, suggesting a mechanism of action that inhibits photosystem II. This effect aligns with the C1, C2, and C3 classifications adopted by the Brazilian Weed Resistance Action Committee (HRAC-BR).

According to the research coordinator, Dr. Olívia Moreira Sampaio, "As the project continues, other plant species will be evaluated, and mixture formulations will be tested to enhance the phytotoxic effects of these bio-herbicides."

The research project is being developed under Grant 004/2024, titled "Women and Girls in Computing, Engineering, Exact Sciences, and Earth Sciences," funded by the Mato Grosso State Government through the Mato Grosso State Research Support Foundation (Fapemat). The research was conducted at the LAEDH laboratories (Herbicide Study and Development Laboratory).

"Weed control represents a major challenge for global agriculture due to the significant losses these species cause to agricultural productivity. While synthetic herbicides have been widely used for this control, their continuous use has led to the emergence of resistant plants, ecological imbalances, and soil and water contamination," the researchers conclude.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)