Weed Extracts Research Articles

Effect of Organic Nutrients and Zinc Biofortification on Growth and Yield of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) CV. Mahy Harita

A field experiment was carried out at Orchard, Department of Horticulture, Annamalai University, Faculty of Agriculture, TamilNadu during 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in RBD with fifteen treatments in three replications. The organic manures used in the experiment were farm yard manure (25 t ha-1) and enriched manure (1 t ha-1) as soil application along with consortium biofertilizer (2 kg ha-1) and foliar application of biostimulants viz., panchagavya (3%), sea weed extract (3%) and effective microbial inoculants (2%). The zinc in the form of Bacillus subtilis @ 10 and 20g was applied as soil application. The results of the experiment revealed that the growth parameters viz., vine length, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf area were recorded the highest in the treatment that received the application of farmyard manure 25 t ha-1combined with panchagavya (3%) as foliar application and Bacillus subtilis @ 20g. The yield attributes viz., the highest number of fruits plant-1, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, fruit yield plant-1 and the zinc uptake in fruit were registered in the treatment which received the application of enriched manure @1 t ha1 combined with panchagavya (3%) as foliar application and Bacillus subtilis @ 20g (T11) respectively.

Microwave-Based Rapid Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Utilizing a Notorious Weed (Mikania micrantha) Extract and Evaluation of their Biomedical Properties

Microwave-Based Rapid Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Utilizing a Notorious Weed (Mikania micrantha) Extract and Evaluation of their Biomedical Properties

Allelopathic effects of Ageratum conyzoides leaf aqueous extract on the seed germination along with seedling growth of Phaseolus vulgaris and Cicer arietinum

The agricultural productivity degradation due to toxic weed is one of the various causes of economic losses in developing countries. Ageratum conyzoides L. is major crop weed that is a threat to native flora as it competes with crops for the same resources. The current study was undertaken to investigate the allelopathic action of A. conyzoides on germination and seedling growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Cicer arietinum L. Aqueous extracts of weed at various concentration (control, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%) were obtained to assess their impacts on test crops. In this experiment, the maximum reduction in seed germination was 37% and 50% for P. vulgaris and C. arietinum respectively. The higher reduction in plumule length (3 cm) and radicle length (2 cm) of P. vulgaris and plumule length (3 cm) and radicle length (2 cm) of C. arietinum was observed at 50% concentration of weed extracts. The phytotoxicity of the A. conyzoides for both crops were increased with elevated concentration and decreased at the low concentration of weed extract. Therefore, the present results revealed that the weed phytotoxicity was concentrations depended. An appropriate weed control strategy is essential to mitigate weed impacts on crops.

Identification of Phytochemicals and Mineral Nutrients of Selected Malaysian Plant Extracts and its Effects on Seed Priming of Maize

Plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, which act as natural bioactive compounds to help plants enhance abiotic tolerance and promote growth. Therefore, plant extracts are considered to have great potential as environmentally friendly biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds and quantify nutrients present in three plant extracts, namely Euphorbia hirta, Polygonum minus, and Eleusine indica, as well as to explore the effect on the growth of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.). The plant powder was extracted using methanol, followed by a solid-liquid extraction procedure. The phytocompounds were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, while mineral nutrients were quantified using inductively coupled plasma. Five concentrations of plant extracts, i.e., 5, 15, 25, 50, and 100%, were designed to evaluate seed germination and priming. The result showed that 53, 45, and 39 phytocompounds were identified from E. hirta, P. minus, and E. indica, respectively, and classified into different chemical groups (such as flavonoids and amino acids) and rich nutrients (for example, N, P, and K). Besides, P. minus and E. hirta extracts with lower concentrations (5 and 15%) showed a positive effect on germination, shoot length and fresh weight, and the Highest concentration (100%) of E. hirta and E. indica extracts exhibited strong toxicity. This study emphasizes that weed extracts containing abundant secondary metabolites and nutrients can be used as natural biostimulants for maize seed priming.

Evaluating the Impact of Combined Application of Seed Dressing and Foliar Application of Sea Weed Extracts on Growth Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo)

Evaluating the Impact of Combined Application of Seed Dressing and Foliar Application of Sea Weed Extracts on Growth Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo)

Effectiveness of Ethnopharmacological Weed Extract on Seed Yield and Quality of Vigna unguiculata L.

Effectiveness of Ethnopharmacological Weed Extract on Seed Yield and Quality of Vigna unguiculata L.

Aplikasi Ekstrak Mimosa invisa L. dan Pupuk NPK Dosis Rendah dalam Pengendalian Hama dan Patogen Padi Gogo

This study aimed to determine the effect of Mimosa invisa L. weed extract application and a low dose of NPK fertilizer on the intensity of pest attack and pathogen infection on upland rice. This research has been done using Split Plot Design with 3 replications. The main plot was the dose of NPK fertilizer (50% and 100% NPK). The subplot was the concentration of weed extract (0, 1.25, 1.67, 2.5, and 5% concentrations). The variables observed include the intensity of grasshopper and case worm attack, Cercospora sp. that causes brown spots, and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae that causes bacterial leaf blight. The results showed that the application of weed extract under a low dose (50% NPK) has not been able to suppress the intensity of grasshopper and case worm attacks, and the intensity of the pathogen causes brown spots and bacterial leaf blight. However, 2,5% and 5% concentrations of weed extract can potentially suppress pathogen infection that causes brown spots on upland rice. Keywords: grasshopper, brown spots, Mimosa invisa L.weed extract, case worm, bacterial leaf blight, NPK fertilizer

In vitro and in vivo Effect of Weeds (Root) Extracts on Soil Borne Fungal Phytopathogens and Fungal Infected Legume Crop Bengal Gram (Cicer arietinum)

Background: Weed management during growing season has been a serious problem for many years. Worldwide, a 10% loss of agricultural products can be attributed to the competitive effect of weeds, despite their intensive control. Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chenopodium album L. is an annual weed of cultivated fields. Methods: This investigation was done in 2020-2021. Root parts of both weeds Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chenopodium album were collected from a nearby area, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut. To determine the antifungal potentials of both weeds Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chenopodium album root extracts were determined by the food poisoning method against fungal phytopathogens. Methane, Ethyl acetate, Butyl alcohol, Benzene and Water-soluble root extracts of both weeds at different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%) were used against fungal phytopathogens growth in laboratory conditions and also used on fungal infected related attributes of Bengal gram in a pot culture experiment in 1:10 ratio. Antioxidants of both weed extracts were done by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods. Result: Findings showed that application of 15% concentrated extracts has maximum antifungal effects against Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotium rolfsi (70-80%). In the pot experiment, we find that at increased concentrations of methanolic extract (15%) infected Bengal gram crops show high effectiveness against fungal phytopathogens and improve different parameters such as germination, plant physiology and morphological characteristics. However, higher concentrations of methanol extract promoted these parameters and reduced fungal growth in both in vivo and vitro conditions Results of this study reported highly significant suppressive effects of higher concentrations (10% and 15%).

Enhancing Various Variety of Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa) Yield with Seaweed Extract and Biochar under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Conditions

The present investigation was carried out during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Central Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, NAI, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Naini, Prayagraj was carried out with two factors having four of each in FRBD. The factors are Varieties (V1 - Winter Dawn, V2 - winter star, V3 - Sweet Charlie, V4 – Chandler) Organic Manures (M0 - No manures, M1 - Biochar 100 %, M2 - Seaweed extract 100%, M3 - Biochar + seaweed extract 50:50 %) which in combination makes 16 treatments. Among the treatments applied the combination of V1M3 (Winter Dawn + Biochar + Sea weed extract 50:50) was found to be best during 2021-22, 2022-23 and pooled data in terms of fruit set % with (8.17, 66.46 and 67.32 %), Number of fruit/plant (35.33, 32.40 and 33.87), Weight of fruit (36.36, 34.90 and 35.63 kg, Yield/plant (812.49, 791.14 and 801.81kg, Yield/plot (9.75, 9.49 and 9.62) kg, and yield/hectare (22.13, 21.51 and 21.82) ton.

Potential of siam weed extract in combination with Trichoderma harzianum to stimulate seed germination of Coffea arabica

The Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) beans feature a solid and thick seed shape that obstructs the germination process. Seed germination is an important feature of coffee plant cultivation and significantly impacts on the growth and development of the coffee plant. Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata L.) has the potential to be used as an organic fertilizer due to its nutrients and secondary metabolite compounds which can help accelerate plant growth. The optimal use of organic fertilizer can be achieved by using Trichoderma harzianum. This research aims to determine the effect and optimal concentration of Siam weed extract (Chromolaena odorata L.) and Trichoderma harzianum on the germination of Arabica coffee seeds. The research used a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in the form of siam weed extract concentrations of 8 ppm and 16 ppm and concentrations of Trichoderma harzianum of 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, and 20 ppm. The research finding indicated that the C2T1 treatment had the best results in terms of germination, growth speed, growth synchrony, hypocotyl length, and number of leaves on coffee plants. Meanwhile, the C2T4 treatment had the highest chlorophyll content.

Effect of selected weeds and organic emulsions on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical content in rice (Oryza sativa)

An experiment was conducted during 2021–22 at ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to understand the allelopathic impact of 4 selected weeds and 2 organic products on germination, seedling growth and biochemical content in rice in laboratory condition in a completely randomized design (CRD). The results indicate that 15% solution of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (T15) and 15% solution of Medicago denticulate extract (T18), inhibits the germination by 78.72 and 40.42%, respectively and 5% solution of Moringa oleifera extract (T4), 5% solution of Parthenium hysterophorus extract (T1) and 15% solution of vermiwash (T9) increased the germination by 25.53, 23.41, and 21.28% respectively as compared to control. Treatment T4 and T9 increased the seedling’s vigour by 112.8 and 109.08%, while among them treatments, viz. 15% solution of A. nodosum extract (T15) and 15% solution of M. denticulate extract (T18) decreased the vigourness by -88.60% and -59.05% respectively. Treatment T4 and 5% solution of vermiwash (T7) increased the biochemical content by 17.79% and 13.49% respectively, while 15% solution of panchgavya (T2), and treatment T15 were significantly decreased the biochemical content by 39.26 and 42.33% respectively. Based on findings, it may be concluded that negative correlation was found between the response of rice crop and increasing concentrations of weed extracts and panchgavya unlike vermiwash. But lower concentration of M. oleifera and vermiwash showed most positive impact on rice seedlings.

Towards Greener Packaging: Tapioca Starch-Based Biocomposites with Siam Weed Extract and Flax Seed Gel as Sustainable Antibacterial Packaging Material

This paper delves into the development of biocomposite (BC) packaging material from tapioca starch (TS), flax seed gel (FS), and Siam weed (SW) extract, considering the increased demand for sustainable, eco-friendly packaging materials. The BCs—BC1 (40 mL), BC2 (80 mL), and BC3 (120 mL), prepared by varying the concentration of SW—were subjected to morphological, structure, thermal, and optical characterisations. The BC with a fragmented, agglomerated morphology shows cellulosic peaks in the X-ray diffraction pattern, indicating the C-type crystalline structure in TS. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the BC’s safe use up to 300 °C, with a minimal 40% weight loss. Differential scanning calorimetry plots identified heat absorption during gelatinisation, with an endothermic peak at 300 °C marking a phase transition. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–visible spectra revealed functional groups that attribute antibacterial potential to the BC. The optical analyses show greater absorption and fewer emissions, resulting in the increased enthalpy responsible for the microbial activities. Antibacterial studies demonstrated BC2’s efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, while the stability against humidity and the minimal weight loss underscored the BC’s robust thermal stability. FTIR spectra of post-heating at 80 °C confirmed the structural integrity, positioning the BC as a promising material for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Study of Allelopathic Effects of Argemone mexicana L. Root Extract on Seed Germination and Growth of Triticum aestivum L. under in vitro Condition

The present study was conducted in Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Nagpur, to investigate the allelopathic effects of Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana L.) on wheat. Wheat is the most important edible cereal crop. Wheat can grow in a wide variety of soils and temperatures, but thrives in humid regions with 30-90 cm of precipitation. Argemone mexicana L. is a rapidly expanding weed and an important competitor of wheat (in terms of allelochemicals). Weed is one of major cause of crop production loss. The entire plants of Argemone mexicana L. were harvested, rinse with tap water to remove soil debris, roots are dried in shade which kept at 25 degrees celcius (±2) for 72 hours. To demonstrate the germination of seeds of two locally grown wheat varieties (Sharabati and Lokwan), five concentrations of different ratios of root aqueous extract were obtained. A bioassay of a petri dish was carried out to assess the allelopathic potential of Argemone mexicana L. on the germination of Triticum aestivum L. seeds. The water based root extracts of weeds were used for treatment. The differential inhibitory effect of Argemone mexicana L. on Sharbati and Lokwan variety of wheat was observed.

Effect of Allelopathy from Methanolic Extract of Broadleaf Weeds (Ageratum conyzoides and Borreria alata) on the Viability of Soybean Seeds (Glycine max L.)

The experiment aimed to investigate the allelopathic effects of active compounds present in broadleaf weeds Ageratum conyzoides and Borreria alata. The study also sought to assess the viability of various seed varieties grown using allelopathic extracts from these weeds, varying in concentrations of tannins and phenols. The research findings revealed that methanol extracts exhibited potent allelopathic properties, inhibiting germination, radicle and hypocotyl growth, as well as reducing the germination rate of soybean seeds. B. alata weed extracts demonstrated lower allelopathy than A. conyzoides, suggesting a possible alteration in the active compounds (allelochemicals) present due to a reforming process. Extracts from both A. conyzoides and B. alata weeds inhibited root length, hypocotyl growth, and germination across a range of concentrations, from low (10% v/v) to high (30% v/v).

Soil Application of Sea Weed Extract Granules and Foliar Application of Nano ZnO to Bt Hybrid Cotton to Vertic inceptisols

Bt hybrid cotton was significantly benefitted by the soil application of Sagarika sea weed extract granules at 25 kg ha-1 yr-1 along with the recommended basal fertilizers dose or foliar application of nano ZnO 4% at 0.04% at squaring and flowering stages. These treatments significantly enriched index leaf residual P and Zn content beyond 20 μg g-1 fresh weight during boll development stage and this resulted in significant improvement in lint yield by 7.5% i.e. 35 kg lint ha-1 yr-1, C:B ratio by 5.0% and net returns to the tune of ₹. 5000 ha-1 over alone 100% RDF in eroded Vertic inceptisols deficient in N, Mg, S, Zn and B. Excess rains at seedling and vegetative stage followed by drought at reproductive stages in both years, reduced the economic viability of seed treatment with bio-stimulants and foliar applications besides soil and foliar application of Zn, S, B alone or together to Bt hybrid cotton.

Evaluation of Natural Weed Extract on the Safety of Corrosion Inhibition of Stainless Steel-410 Pipelines in the De-scaling Process

Evaluation of Natural Weed Extract on the Safety of Corrosion Inhibition of Stainless Steel-410 Pipelines in the De-scaling Process

Effect of Seaweed Extract Application Rate and Method on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)

Pansies, part of the Viola genus, are vibrant flowers with velvety petals and a distinct center blotch. They are popular as ornamental plants due to their colorful appearance. Seaweed extract, derived from various types of seaweed or marine algae, is utilized in agriculture, gardening, and skincare. Seaweed is nutrient-rich, containing essential macro and micronutrients, making seaweed extract a valuable natural fertilizer to enhance plant growth and health. Therefore, present investigation was carried during the Winter-2022-23 with a view to determine the effect of seaweed extract application on pansy variety Majestic Giant Mix for its growth, flowering, yield. The study was examined using completely randomized block design. From the present investigation, it is concluded that treatment T4 i.e., application of Sea weed extract @ 4ml/l as drench application found superior in terms of plant height (16.00 cm), plant spread (17.56), number of branches per plant (28.81), days taken for first flower opening (30.00), days taken for 50% flowering (58.33), stalk length (8.60 cm), flower diameter (7.83) number of leaves (43.33), number of flowers per plant (38.88) and seed yield per plant (3.00g).

Effect of Growth Regulators on Plant Growth and Flower Yield in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

A field experiment was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. During rabi season (2022-2023). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different growth regulators on plant growth, flowering and flower yield of African marigold and to estimate the economics of different treatments. This experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments and each treatment replicated thrice. The treatments consist of different combinations of plant growth regulators (Gibberellic acid, Salicylic acid and Sea weed extract). Treatment T3 (Gibberellic acid @150ppm) was statistically significant compared to other treatment combination, which recorded highest plant height (44.11 cm), no. of branches (43.53), stem diameter (1.61 cm), no. of leaves (118.93), plant spread (37.17 cm2), Bud length (0.93cm), days to 1st flowering (66.07 days), Size of flower (8.77cm), Number of flower per plant (34.10), Self-life (8.67 days), single flower wt. (18.28 g) in African marigold (Tagetes erecta). The economics estimation revealed that maximum benefit cost ratio was at 2.44.

Nutrient Management for Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragariax ananassa) in Vertical Hydroponics System

The present investigation was carried out to find out nutrient management for growth, yield attributes, yield and quality attributes of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) under vertical hydroponics tower system in Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with nine treatments and three replications during November-March (2022-23) at Experimental Farm of Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The data were recorded from four randomly selected plants from each replication of the treatments for 14 characters. The 9 treatments comprising of different doses in combination of macro nutrients N:P:K , micro nutrients Zn: B: Fe and organic fertilizer sea weed extract were given in three different stages of the crop i.e., seedling stage, vegetative growth stage and reproductive stage . Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) as plant growth regulator (PGR) was applied in reproductive stage of the crop at the time of flowering for better fruit set. Aqueous solution of nutrients applied at seedling stage followed by vegetative growth stage and reproductive stage , treatment T7 comprising of N- 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5 g/10 litres of water at all three stages, respectively, P- 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 g/10 litres of water at all three stages, respectively, K- 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 g/10 litres of water, at all three stages, respectively, Zn- 0.25,0.35 and 0.45g/10 l of water at all three stages, respectively , B – 0.35, 0.45 and 0.55g/10 litres of water at all three stages, respectively, Fe- 0.65,0.75 and 0.85 mg/10 litres of water at all three stages, respectively and organic fertilizer (see weed extract) @ 8 and 10 ml/ 10 litres of water at seedling and vegetative stages and NAA @ 300 ppm was applied at reproductive stage for fruit settings was the best and recorded maximum plant height (18.42cm),plant spread area (18.58cm2), number of leaves per plant (8.21), root length (16.03cm), leaf area (47.75cm2), number of flowers per plant (14.47), number of fruits per plant (14), yield per treatment (1.451kg) with B: C ratio (1:2.72) and quality of the strawberry as TSS (9.330brix), titratable acidity (1.33%) and ascorbic acid (60.45 mg/100g) followed by T6 and T5.

Effects of Slender Carpetweed (Mollugo oppositifolia) Extract on Intestinal Worms of Native Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Poultry is the fastest growing component and one of the most efficient and effective means of food supply to the society in the form of meat and egg. Parasitic infections lead to low productivity and increased mortality in poultry. A total of forty-five (45) apparently healthy Philippine native chickens, regardless of sex and weight, ranging from 4-6 months of age, were randomly distributed in five (5) treatments. Each treatment was replicated thrice with three (3) birds per replication following the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Simple Test Tube Flotation was used to establish which parasite groups are present in the fecal samples. The McMaster technique was also used as a counting chamber which enables a known volume (2 x 0.15 ml) of fecal suspension to be examined microscopically. The number of eggs per gram was calculated by counting the number of eggs within the grid of each chamber which gave the data on eggs per gram (EPG) of feces. The results revealed in T4 (1ml) slender carpet weed extract and T5 (1.5ml) have anthelmintic potentials when used in native chickens. Thus, slender carpet weed extract is an effective deworming agent. Slender carpet weed extract is effective in lowering the egg per gram of intestinal parasites found in native chickens. The optimum volume to ensure effectivity is 1.5 ml which revealed the strongest effect in reducing intestinal worms.