Laboratory and Field Evaluation of the Phytotoxic Activity of Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn Pulp Extract and Identification of a Phytotoxic Substance

Abstract

Interest in finding plant-based herbicides to supplement synthesized herbicides is increasing. Although the extract of Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn has been reported to have herbicidal activity, little is known about phytotoxic substances and their efficacy of weed control in the field. To identify phytotoxic substances, the bioassay-guided fractionation by column chromatography and high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) was carried out. The phytotoxic activity assay, performed by the agar medium method, showed that the 70% ethanol fraction exhibited strong root growth inhibition against Trifolium pratense with an 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 35.13 mg/L. An active compound was isolated from the 70% ethanol fraction and identified as hederagenin 3-o-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (Compound A). Compound A had an IC50 value of 16.64 mg/L. Finally, a new formulation was prepared based on the 70% ethanol fraction, which exhibited good efficacy against broadleaf weeds in a carrot field. The fresh weight control efficacy was 78.7% by 45 days after treatment at the dose of 1500 g a. i./ha. Hence, the extract of S. mukorossi pulp could be a promising supplement to the synthesized herbicides. Furthermore, compound A from S. mukorossi may be responsible for its phytotoxic activity.

Preparation of Porous Biochar from Soapberry Pericarp at Severe Carbonization Conditions

“…The fruit is famous for the natural surfactants (i.e., saponins) present in its pericarp. Apart from its traditional use in detergents and shampoo for hair, skin and clothing, the pharmacological and biological actions of this plant have been recently exploited in the fields of medicine [14,15] and herbicides [16,17]. Because of the chemical characteristics of its saponins, it has been used in food applications as a natural preservative and emulsifier [18].…”

Phytotoxic Effects of Senna garrettiana and Identification of Phytotoxic Substances for the Development of Bioherbicides

“…The intensive use of synthetic herbicides has led to long-term dangers to soil quality, water quality, and human health because of their low biodegradability and high persistence in nature [1][2][3]. To address this concern, phytotoxic components of plants may serve as bioherbicides for sustainable weed management [4][5][6]. These components exhibit chemical diversity, and their novel structures have multiple modes of action that help to manage weeds; they also possess shorter half-lives than synthetic herbicides as well as good biodegradability [7,8].…”

Agave Steroidal Saponins as Potential Bioherbicides

“…Although synthetic herbicides may control weeds in an effective way, not only can they lead to an enhancement in herbicide-resistant weed populations, but they can also present several detrimental effects on the environment and on human health. On the other hand, it has been estimated that without weed control, crop yield losses might scale up to 70% [2,3]. For these reasons, research works on novel, sustainable, effective and more environmentally friendly alternatives for weed management has experienced a considerable increment in the last few years.…”