The Herbicidal Potential of Euphorbia Species for Managing Common Weeds in the Mount Cameroon Region

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The utilization of botanicals in weed management is of great significance due to their biodegradability and eco-friendly nature. This research evaluates the herbicidal potentials of seven Euphorbia species (Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia prostrata, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia trigona, and Euphorbia milii) in the Mount Cameroon Region.The assessment of the herbicidal potential of the most promising Euphorbia species was conducted using the Sandwich method along with germination bioassay techniques. Qualitative phytochemical screening techniques were employed to investigate the herbicidal properties of E. heterophylla through the identification of classes of secondary metabolites. Additional analysis of Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Cameroon, P.O Box 63, Cameroon. The crude extracts from Euphorbia heterophylla regarding the germination and development of five weed species revealed inhibiting effects on all the weeds examined. The results showed that Euphorbia heterophylla exhibited inhibitory effects on Lactuca sativa seeds, with a maximum inhibition of 85.75% at higher concentrations, indicating dose-dependent trends. Bidens pilosa had the highest herbicidal suppression rate of 83.91%, while Mimosa invisa exhibited the least suppression at 61.10%. Thirteen (13) chromatographic fractions of Euphorbia heterophylla were tested for their influence on the germination and growth of Bidens pilosa seeds. The findings showed that fractions F4, F6, F7, and F13 demonstrated total inhibition of the weed (100% suppression). Phytochemical analysis of E. heterophylla identified the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. Euphorbia heterophylla, had a strong allelopathic potential, making it viable candidate for the isolation and development of bioactive compounds. These compounds could be utilized as bioherbicides and thereby contributing to sustainable weed management in crop production.