Potential of Esenbeckia leiocarpa hydroethanolic extract as an agroecological alternative for weed management

Abstract

Synthetic herbicides are widely used in weed management; however, their intensive use raises environmental and health concerns and promotes the selection of resistant biotypes. Allelopathy has emerged as a sustainable alternative for weed control. This study evaluated the bioherbicidal potential of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of the native Brazilian species Esenbeckia leiocarpa on the germination and early growth of Bidens pilosa, Digitaria insularis, and Euphorbia heterophylla. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 5×3 factorial scheme, with four replications and extract concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20%. Germination was reduced by more than 80% at the lowest concentration, while phytotoxicity exceeded 80% for all species. Root length decreased by more than 55% at 5%. The results demonstrate strong allelopathic activity, especially under pre-emergence conditions, highlighting the potential of this species as a source of compounds for bioherbicide development.