Bioherbicidal Evaluation of Methanol Extract of Sorghum halepense L. Rhizome and Its Bioactive Components Against Selected Weed Species

TL;DR

This study explores the weed-killing potential of a methanol extract from Johnson grass rhizomes and its bioactive compounds against specific weeds.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel bioherbicide derived from Sorghum halepense rhizomes for managing Amaranthaceae and Solanaceae weeds.

Findings

ShER inhibits seed germination and seedling growth in Chenopodiastrum murale and Datura stramonium.

Catalase is a key mediator in the antioxidant response to ShER in Chenopodiastrum murale.

ShER shows higher phytotoxicity against Amaranthaceae and Solanaceae weeds compared to Amaranthus retroflexus.

Abstract

Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (common name Johnson grass) is a perennial invasive weed that causes great harm worldwide, and its allelopathy has been demonstrated in a series of experiments. The present study offers new insights into its organ-specific phytochemical profiles using state-of-the-art metabolomic technology and explores the effects of a methanol extract of S. halepense rhizomes (ShER) and its major bioactive compounds (p-hydroxybenzoic acid and chlorogenic acid) on three noxious weed species. The phytotoxic effects of ShER are reflected through the inhibition of seed germination and reduced seedling growth, which are accompanied by changes in the antioxidant system of seedlings. Phytotoxicity is species specific and concentration dependent, and it is more pronounced against Chenopodiastrum murale (L.) S. Fuentes, Uotila & Borsch and Datura stramonium L. than highly tolerant Amaranthus retroflexus L. Catalase (CAT) is most likely the major mediator in the removal of reactive oxygen species, which are generated during germination and early seedling growth of Ch. murale exposed to ShER. The results of the present study imply the high potential of ShER in the management of amaranthaceous and solanaceous weeds, such as Ch. murale and D. stramonium, respectively. The present study offers an environmentally friendly solution for the biological control of weeds belonging to the families Amaranthaceae and Solanaceae. Also, the results of this research highlight the possibility of effective management of S. halepense by using it as a feedstock for bioherbicide production.

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