Chapter 13 - Natural Herbicides as a Safer and More Environmentally Friendly Approach to Weed Control: A Review of the Literature Since 2000

Abstract

Weeds are plants that grow where they are not desired. They are quite troublesome because they compete with cultivated plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, thus causing heavy economic damage due to crop losses. Different strategies have been developed to contain the growth and spread of weeds. At present, the main one is based on their chemical control, using synthetic herbicides. However, many weeds have become resistant to most synthetic products, forcing farmers to use higher doses that inevitably leave more residues in soil, often contaminating groundwater and damaging successive crops. Consequently, weed control should be closely connected to soil care. Many plants and several microorganisms ensure their survival by naturally competing with other organisms by producing a wide array of phytotoxic chemicals that could be effectively used by man as herbicides. The use of natural substances for weeds control not only permits an effective management of these undesired plants but also allows a more sustainable management of the agroecosystem. This strategy could allow us to obtain safer food products for the final consumer.