Search Results (24)

Chemical control of weeds with the herbicide glyphosate under vines in the vineyards is currently easy, effective, and cheap. There are currently no completely equivalent alternative herbicides or suitable mechanical control methods that have the same efficacy in suppressing weeds under vines in vineyards as glyphosate. Therefore, in this research, we tested two alternative technologies for controlling weeds under the vines as a counterweight to the predominant control approach with the herbicide glyphosate: (1) chemical control with pelargonic acid, acetic acid, and the plant extract-based fertilizer Stopeco^® with herbicidal action, and (2) mechanical control with a combined tool consisting of a rotary star tiller and finger weeder. A comparative analysis was conducted on time and fuel consumption, the extent of the carbon footprint, grape yield, and quality, which showed that the tested alternative methods of weed control were not comparable to the herbicide glyphosate in terms of effectiveness in weed suppression but were comparable at grape yield. In our trial, at the number of treatments we performed, differences in environmental footprint between different treatments were significant (glyphosate variant 10.55–11.21 gha anno⁻¹; other variants 7.48–8.08 gha anno⁻¹). Alternative mechanical and chemical methods need to be applied at least three to four times a year to achieve results comparable to those from two applications of glyphosate. For this reason, it is possible that, in the case of a slightly increased number of passes by mechanical tools or a slightly increased number of sprayings with alternative preparations to reach the efficacy level of glyphosate treatments, the foot print parameter, CO₂ emissions and global warming potential (GWP) parameter in alternative treatments would no longer be more favorable than when using the herbicide glyphosate twice a year. Full article

Agroecological weed management is important for agriculture’s shift toward sustainability. This study evaluated stale seedbed and intercropping combinations for weed management in vetch (Vicia sativa L.) cultivation in Greece during the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 growing seasons. A Randomized Complete Block Design was established using a split-plot arrangement. Two weed management practices served as the main plots: untreated control (CON) and stale seedbed (SSB). Four intercropping methods formed the subplots: vetch monocropping (VM), vetch–barley mixed intercropping (VBMXIC), vetch–barley row intercropping (VBROWIC), and vetch–barley relay intercropping (VBRELIC). The interaction between weed management and intercropping influenced weed NDVI (p < 0.001), weed biomass, and vetch NDVI (p < 0.01). Weed NDVI and biomass were highest for CON × VM, CON × VBMXIC, CON × VBROWIC, and CON × VBRELIC interactions. Vetch NDVI was highest (0.71) for SSB × VM. Grain yield was affected by growing season (p < 0.05), weed management (p < 0.001), and intercropping (p < 0.001). SSB resulted in a 42% higher yield compared to CON. VBRELIC and increased yields by 7%, 22%, and 29% compared to VBROWIC, VM, and VBMXIC, respectively. Further research is needed to evaluate additional agroecological weed management practices in more crops and environments. Full article

Moss in container seedling nurseries competes with seedlings for water and nutrients while blocking light, thereby inhibiting growth. This study aimed to address this issue by evaluating the moss control efficacy of 11 chemical compounds, including terpinyl acetate (TA), limonene, and Hinoki essential oil (HEO). The plate experiment results led to the selection of 6 substances (TA, limonene, HEO, pine leaf extract, baking soda, pelargonic acid) that stably controlled both Polytrichum commune Hedw. and Marchantia. Polymorpha L. When TA, limonene, and HEO were combined with surfactants, moss control rates increased and showed stable performance. In the container seedling experiment, TA, limonene, and HEO demonstrated high moss control effects while exhibiting low growth inhibition. When these three substances were combined with surfactants, the electrolyte leakage index (ELI) decreased, indicating minimal cell membrane damage. Additionally, TA treatment maintained stable soil physicochemical properties with no significant changes in pH or nutrient levels. Microscopic analysis of moss cells showed cell wall deformation and expansion of intercellular spaces in the three substance treatment groups. Future verification of long-term effectiveness, expansion of application targets, and assessment of economic feasibility could lead to the development of eco-friendly moss removal agents for improving container seedling quality. Full article

Cotton production faces sustainability challenges due to the lack of effective sustainable defoliants for mechanical harvesting, which constrains the expansion of organic cotton (currently 0.5% of global production). In this framework, this study evaluated pelargonic acid, a rapidly biodegradable compound, as a sustainable defoliant alternative, comparing it with the synthetic pyraflufen-ethyl and a water placebo. A two-year field trial (2023–2024) in Sicily, southern Italy, tested three application rates per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Parameters assessed included defoliation efficacy, root diameter, boll number per plant, average boll weight, raw yield, lint yield, and seed yield. Results indicated significant “Year × Treatment” interaction effects on all parameters. Pelargonic acid applied at 16 L ha⁻¹ achieved the highest boll number per plant in 2024, significantly exceeding pyraflufen-ethyl at its label-recommended rate, with treatments at 12 L ha⁻¹ also producing larger root diameters than the synthetic defoliant. Pelargonic acid at 18 L ha⁻¹ in 2023 achieved complete defoliation, matching the efficacy of pyraflufen-ethyl, while the lowest pelargonic rate (12 L ha⁻¹) produced >90% leaf drop across both years. These findings position pelargonic acid as a rapidly degradable alternative to synthetic defoliants, directly addressing a key bottleneck in sustainable cotton production. Full article

Within the framework of organic acid alternatives to chemical herbicides, pre-emergence weed control research is scarce. Citric acid (CA) and lactic acid (LA), considered significantly less effective than pelargonic acid (PA) and acetic acid (AA) from post-emergence (foliar spraying) studies, have largely been disregarded. This in vitro study was aimed at comparing the effects of 5–20% AA, AA + essential oils, PA, CA, and LA on radicle emergence inhibition (direct spraying of seeds) and shoot emergence inhibition (application to peat) on both weeds (perennial ryegrass, green foxtail, common vetch and chicory) and crops (soft wheat, alfalfa and millet). All tested compounds demonstrated concentration-dependent and species-specific effects on shoot emergence inhibition, with CA and LA (IC₅₀ range: 3.4–19.3%) showing a comparable efficacy to PA and AA (IC₅₀ range: 3.1–35.9%). The results also showed that CA and, to a lesser extent, LA were less inhibitory to soft wheat (CA IC₅₀ = 62.5%; LA IC₅₀ = 35.9%) and alfalfa (CA IC₅₀ = 57.8%; LA IC₅₀ = 44.1%) shoot emergence. CA and LA show potential promise for pre-emergence weed control in field testing, either on a stale seedbed in pre-crop sowing or concurrently with soft wheat and alfalfa sowing. Investigating organic compound herbicidal effects on crops of interest warrants attention. Full article

In recent years, interest in natural products with herbicidal activity as new tools for integrated weed management has increased. The European Union is demanding a reduction in the number of herbicides used, forbidding use of the most toxic ones, despite the problem of weed resistance increasing. Pelargonic acid (PA) is the only natural herbicide available in Spain. In this work, two field assays were performed with the natural compounds carvacrol (CAR), citral (CIT), eugenol (EUG), thymol (THY), p-cymene (P-CYM), (PA), and the combination of PA with CIT—all except P-CYM formulated by Seipasa—to test their herbicidal efficacy in real conditions. They were compared with commercial PA, glyphosate (GLY) and oxyfluorfen (OXY). In both experiments, GLY achieved the best weed control. Considering the natural herbicides, PA formulated by Seipasa and PA plus CIT were the most effective. From both experiments, some conclusions can be extracted for better herbicidal performance of natural products: (1) use products on sensitive weed species, (2) treat weeds at earlier phenological stages, (3) find the active doses in field conditions, (4) cover weeds well when treating, (5) ensure adequate formulation of products, and (6) develop a strategy for correct application. Full article

Pelargonic acid is the most successful natural herbicide and can contribute to reducing synthetic herbicides, but information on its efficacy is contrasting. Given its high cost, a reduction of the rate could facilitate the spread of the use of this herbicide. Two greenhouse and three field experiments were conducted to evaluate the herbicidal efficacy of different doses of pelargonic acid on several weeds (Abutilon theophrasti, Alopecurus myosuroides, Conyza sumatrensis, Lolium rigidum, Persicaria maculosa, Setaria pumila, Solanum nigrum). Results show that the efficacy of pelargonic acid is partial both in the greenhouse and field since the sensitivity of weed species is very variable, yet significant weed biomass reduction was observed in field application. Grass weeds, in particular A. myosuroides and L. rigidum, were less sensitive to pelargonic acid, with reduced and transient symptoms even at the highest doses. A large difference in sensitivity was also observed between dicots weeds, with P. oleracea, P. maculosa and A. theophrasti being less sensitive than C. sumatrensis and S. nigrum. The efficacy of pelargonic acid in field conditions depends on the botanical composition of weed flora and environmental conditions. Hot and dry conditions can promote leaf traits that decrease weed sensitivity by reducing herbicide penetration inside leaves. Despite its high cost, pelargonic acid can be a useful tool in an integrated multi-tactic strategy for sustainable weed management, while its use as a stand-alone tactic is less recommendable. Full article

Cultivation of cover crops is a valuable practice in sustainable agriculture. In cover crop management, the method of desiccation is an important consideration, and one widely used method for this is the application of glyphosate. With use of glyphosate likely to be banned soon in Europe, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the herbicidal effect of pelargonic acid (PA) as a bio-based substitute for glyphosate. This study presents the results of a two-year field experiment (2019 and 2021) conducted in northeast Germany. The experimental setup included an untreated control, three different dosages (16, 8, and 5 L/ha) of PA, and the active ingredients glyphosate and pyraflufen. A completely randomised block design was established. The effect of the herbicide treatments was assessed by a visual estimate of the percentage of crop vitality and a comparison assessment provided by an Ebee+ drone. Four vegetation indices (VIs) calculated from the drone images were used to verify the credibility of colour (RGB)-based and near-infrared (NIR)-based vegetation indices. The results of both types of assessment indicated that pelargonic acid was reasonably effective in controlling cover crops within a week of application. In both experimental years, the PA (16 L/ha) and PA_2T (double application of 8 L/ha) treatments demonstrated their highest herbicidal effect for up to seven days after application. PA (16 L/ha) vitality loss decreased over time, while PA_2T (double application of 8 L/ha) continued to exhibit an almost constant effect for longer due to the second application one week later. The PA dosage of 5 L/ha, pyraflufen, and a mixture of the two exhibited a smaller vitality loss than the other treatments. However, except for glyphosate, the herbicidal effect of all the other treatments decreased over time. At the end of the experiment, the glyphosate treatment (3 L/ha) demonstrated the lowest estimated vitality. The results of the drone assessments indicated that vegetation indices (VIs) can provide detailed information regarding crop vitality following herbicide application and that RGB-based indices, such as EXG, have the potential to be applied efficiently and cost-effectively utilising drone imagery. The results of this study demonstrate that pelargonic acid has considerable potential for use as an additional tool in integrated crop management. Full article

Pelargonic acid is a non-selective post-emergence contact bio-herbicide which is registered both for cropping and non-cropping uses in several countries. Dose–response curves on the efficacy of pelargonic acid against common weeds in Mediterranean areas are not available. Dose–response curves of pelargonic acid efficacy against summer and winter annual weeds were evaluated in two field experiments (winter exp. in 2019 and summer exp. in 2020) in central Italy. Pelargonic acid was applied at five doses (1.4, 2.7, 5.4, 10.9 and 21.8 kg a.i. ha⁻¹). Data on weed density, weed dry weight, and weed ground cover were used to calculate the efficacy of pelargonic acid against winter and summer weeds. Data were subjected to a non-linear regression analysis using the logistic dose–response model. Dose of pelargonic acid required to obtain 50%, 70%, 90% and 95% weed control against each weed species (ED₅₀, ED₇₀, ED₉₀ and ED₉₅) were estimated. ED values allowed us to classify winter and summer weeds with respect to their susceptibility to pelargonic acid (ED₅₀ values in kg ha⁻¹ are reported in parenthesis): Kickxia spuria (2.6) (more susceptible) > Heliotropium europaeum (3.0) > Echinochloa crus-galli (3.4) > Solanum nigrum (3.6) > Stachys annua (5.3) > Papaver rhoeas (6.5) > Veronica hederifolia (10.3) > Amaranthus retroflexus (11.4) > Matricaria chamomilla (11.6) > Portulaca oleracea (18.7) > Lolium multiflorum (>21.8) (less susceptible). These findings will allow for the optimization of weed control by pelargonic acid and its use in weed management strategies, both in organic and sustainable cropping systems, under different environmental conditions. Full article

Globally, the red wine market experienced a rapid growth in the last decade, due to the superior colour, taste, and nutritional quality. The red grapes used for vinification have individual characteristics varying within the regional environment. In this study, the quality of seven grape cultivars, including Marselan, Yan 73, Muscat Hamburg, Kadarka, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Crimpose, and their corresponding wines, were investigated based on high-performance liquid chromatography and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. These techniques were performed to analyze the chemical compositions and volatile compounds of the tested samples, respectively. The results showed that tartaric acid (29.96% to 73.45%) and rutin (12.53% to 56.54%) were the dominant organic acid and phenolic compounds in grapes, respectively. Higher concentrations of organic acids and phenolic compounds, and the types of volatile compounds, were observed to be highest in the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The antioxidant activity of wines ranged from 6.74 to 102.68 mmol TE/L, and Yan 73 wine had the highest antioxidant activity. A total of 69 volatile compounds consisting of 17 alcohols, 26 esters, 5 aldehydes, 9 acids, 7 ketones, and 5 other volatile compounds were identified in all tested wines, and 11 important aroma active substances (odor activity value > 1) were selected, consisting of β-ionone, phenethyl acetate, geranyl acetate, ethyl 9-decenoate, ethyl caprate, ethyl pelargonate, decanal, ethyl caprylate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, methyl 2-hexenoate, and ethyl hexanoate, which endow wines with a unique aroma. This work clearly describes the chemical and sensory characteristics of seven red grape cultivars in Xinjiang of China and provides diversity options for cultivars for winemaking. Full article

Pelargonic acid (PA) is the only natural herbicide authorized for professional use in Spain. Incorporating PA into an integrated weed management strategy in vineyards may enable a more sustainable production method for grapes. In this work, PA of 55% concentration, formulated by a commercial company (PSEI), was evaluated and applied at 8, 10, 12, and 15 L/ha for weed control in Mediterranean vineyards during 2020 and 2021. A total of 22 different weed species, 16 dicotyledonous and 6 monocotyledonous, were identified in the experimental areas. Previously, greenhouse assays were performed against Avena fatua L. and Chenopodium album L. to determine the dose/response curves. PSEI proved to be a viable post-emergence herbicide with an efficacy of 40.79–80.90%, depending on the applied dose (higher doses were the most effective). Broader herbicidal activity (20% or more) was obtained against dicotyledonous weeds compared with monocotyledonous. The PA formulation was remarkable in achieving PSEI-similar effects as compared to the market reference but at lower concentrations (around 13% less PA) and doses (1–8 less L/ha). PA has proved to be a good candidate to control weeds in Mediterranean vineyards when used as a post-emergence broad-spectrum herbicide in the first stages of weed development. Full article

Bioherbicides are naturally originated products posing alternatives to synthetic herbicides for weed control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pelargonic acid and microencapsulated caraway essential oil on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv.) and johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.). Two separate pot experiments were conducted at the Agricultural University of Athens (spring 2021), arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six weed control treatments replicated four times. Treatments included the applications of: microencapsulated caraway essential oil at 50 g L⁻¹ (CAR), CAR plus a commercial adjuvant (CAR + adj), i.e., alcohol ethoxylate at 1.8 g L⁻¹, pelargonic acid at 36.3 g L⁻¹ (PA), PA plus a commercial adjuvant (PA + adj), i.e., alcohol ethoxylate at 1.8 g L⁻¹, and a tank mixture of pelargonic acid at 64 g L⁻¹ plus microencapsulated caraway essential oil at 50 g L⁻¹ (PA + CAR). An untreated control (CON) was also included. The results of the current research confirmed the knock-down effect of pelargonic acid against both barnyardgrass and johnsongrass and demonstrated the low efficacy of caraway microcapsules. The addition of a commercial adjuvant improved the efficacy of caraway essential oil but did not appear to affect the performance of pelargonic acid. No synergistic effects were observed between pelargonic acid and microencapsulated caraway essential oil. Further research is needed to optimize the use of these and other natural herbicides for weed control in agriculture and as components of sustainable integrated weed management (IWM) systems. Full article

Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist is a widespread noxious weed with high fecundity, associated with no-till systems such as vineyards and other perennial crops in Mediterranean climates. Seeds germinate in staggered flushes, which leads to a great variation in the growth stage between individuals in the same field, and chemical control becomes challenging. Besides, Conyza species have evolved resistance to herbicides worldwide, particularly to glyphosate. Even though tillage is expected to provide weed-free fields, it negatively affects vineyards, causing erosion, loss of soil structure and a reduction in organic matter or vine growth (shallow roots can be affected), among other effects. Fuel consumption of this management is also very high because recurrent interventions of in-row tiller are required. In this context, bioherbicides, defined as environmentally friendly natural substances intended to reduce weed populations, are a potential tool for integrated weed management (IWM). In this work, the herbicidal effect of the following six products is tested on a glyphosate-resistant C. bonariensis population present in commercial vineyards: T1, mixture of acetic acid 20% and the fertilizer N32; T2, mixture of potassium metabisulfite and pelargonic acid 31%; T3, pelargonic acid 68%; T4, humic-fulvic acid 80%; T5, hydroxy phosphate complex; and T6, potassium metabisulfite. The results showed high field efficacy for T1 and T4 (>80% biomass reduction). For the rest of the products, high efficacy was obtained only in dose–response greenhouse experiments. The present work demonstrates the potential of certain bioherbicide compounds to manage herbicide-resistant weed species, such as C. bonariensis. Therefore, bioherbicides could be successfully incorporated into vineyards for IWM. Full article

Only a limited number of contact herbicides exist in agricultural production. While systemic herbicides are more efficient also at suboptimum spray coverage with long-lasting weed control, contact herbicides provide several advantages. There is no translocation to fruits or roots of plantation and other crop, low risk for resistance development, and minor risk for spray-drift damage. Besides, synthetic products that often have toxicological or residues issues, natural fatty acids, particularly pelargonic acid (PA), have contact activity and are safer for home and garden use. We recently described a methyl capped polyethylene glycol ester of pelargonic acid (PA-MPEG) that acts independent of acid formation. Both, PA-MPEG and PA are applied at high rates per hectare to achieve excellent weed control. Here, we report about potential additives to increase PA-MPEG efficacy. The herbicidal active, 1-decanol, and the non-phytotoxic alkylated seed oil-based adjuvant, Hasten^TM, improved performance and outperformed a commercial PA herbicide. Both, PA-MPEG and PA appear to mainly act by the disintegration of bio-membranes besides having effects on transpiration. The main suggested effect is desiccation due to cutting the water continuum at the site of evaporation in the intercellular spaces. The synergistic action of the adjuvant Hasten^TM and its practical uses are also discussed. Full article

With the rise in concern about GMOs and pesticides on human health, we have utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism for understanding the effects of Roundup-Ready^® GMO diets on health. We recorded dietary behavior during and after exposure to a medium containing GMO or non-GMO corn, Roundup^® in organic corn medium, and sucrose with or without one of the two Roundup^® formulations. No differences in behavior were observed when Drosophila were exposed to a medium containing Roundup-Ready^® GMO or non-GMO corn. Drosophila can detect and refrain from eating sucrose containing one Roundup^® formulation, Ready-to-Use, which contains pelargonic acid in addition to glyphosate as an active ingredient. Drosophila exhibited dose-dependent increased consumption of sucrose alone after exposure to a medium containing either Roundup^® formulation. This may indicate that flies eating a medium with Roundup^® eat less and were thus hungrier when then given sucrose solution; that a medium with Roundup^® is more difficult to digest; or that a medium with Roundup^® is less nutritious, as would be the case if nutritionally important microbes grew on control medium, but not one containing Roundup^®. Full article