In the current debate on pesticides causing environmental damage, the search for ecofriendly pesticides is gaining importance. Plants frequently contain compounds that counteract fungi or other plants; thus, such substances might be used in agriculture. However, it is important to rule out potential dangers before applying them in practical use. Therefore, a comprehensive ecotoxicological assessment is important.

In this context, a Lemna paucicostata growth inhibition test carried out with a LemnaTec Scanalyzer at USDA-ARS assisted in determining phytotoxicity. The researchers identified three plant-derived substances exhibiting moderate herbicidal activity that can be candidates for further developments.

Perera WH, Meepa KM, Fronczek FR, Cook DD, Wedge DE, Duke SO (2019) Bioassay-Guided Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Fungicidal and Herbicidal Compounds from Ambrosia salsola (Asteraceae). Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 24; DOI:10.3390/molecules24050835; https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/5/835