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weeds

01/17/2019 / By Zoey Sky

Study shows Mexican marigold can be used as a natural herbicide

Chemical herbicides often cause more harm than good, especially since they can pollute farm soil and water sources. These substances can also be harmful to the health of the people who handle them. To address this concern, a team of researchers conducted a study to determine if Mexican marigolds (Tagetes erecta L.) can be used […]

01/09/2019 / By Russel Davis

Big Ag running out of herbicides that work, resulting in “superweeds” that are threatening the food supply

An analysis published in Pest Management Science has warned that the American agricultural industry is already at the cusp of losing the battle against herbicide-resistant weeds, which in turn may cause an upsurge in food prices in the future. Adam Davis, an ecologist in at the University of Illinois‘ Department of Crop Science and the USDA Agricultural Research Service, […]

12/21/2018 / By Zoey Sky

Mexican marigold essential oil contains phytotoxic compounds, making it a great natural herbicide

A study published in the journal Industrial Crops and Products reported that essential oils from Tagetes erecta L. (Mexican marigold) can be used to formulate a safer alternative to chemical herbicides. For the study, researchers analyzed the chemical composition of essential oil extracted from T. erecta. Plant-derived substances, especially essential oils, are often considered as a natural alternative to chemical […]

12/06/2018 / By Russel Davis

Scientists working to understand the defensive properties of lavender oil, hoping to develop natural pesticides

A team of Canadian researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UCBO) campus are examining the potential of herbs in producing natural pesticides, specifically lavender oils. According to the experts, lavender is known for its strong aroma and its oil is touted for it healing or soothing properties. The scientists have pooled data from a campus research field […]

11/13/2018 / By Zoey Sky

Use horticultural vinegar as a natural herbicide

Weeds are a home gardener’s nightmare. There are many ways to eliminate pesky weeds, from old-school hand-pulling to using herbicides, but there is a natural and effective alternative that is worth considering. If you are facing a weed problem in your garden, try using horticultural vinegar as an alternative to store-bought herbicides that may contain toxic […]

10/10/2018 / By RJ Jhonson

The herbicidal activity of 3 species of Baccharis

Bidens pilosa, also known as blackjack, cobbler’s peg, and Spanish needle, among others, is a noxious weed in Africa, North America, Asia, and other parts of the world. In a study published in Allelopathy Journal, researchers tested the natural herbicidal properties of three North American shrubs in genus Baccharis (B. dentata, B. uncinella, and B. […]

10/02/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Want bigger, healthier potatoes? Use straw mulch; it improves soil quality and suppresses weeds

Want to get the most yield and the biggest tubers from your crop of potatoes, protect them from certain pests and weeds, and not use any artificial chemicals? An American study reported that adding straw mulch to the soil around emerging potatoes will result in bigger, healthier tubers. Mulch was also shown to protect the […]

09/28/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Application of straw mulch increases potato yield

American researchers reported that adding straw mulch to the soil around emerging potatoes increases the size of the individual tubers and the yield of the crop for two different cultivars. They further added that the straw mulch managed broadleaf weeds better than mechanical means of removing the weeds. The study was supported by the University […]

09/21/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Fungal strains found naturally in the soil, including a relative of penicillin, could be an alternative to herbicides

Penicillium molds have been used to ripen cheese and produce the life-saving antibiotic penicillin. Now, a member of the large and common genus of fungi could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic herbicides. The discovery was made by Nigerian researchers from the University of Ilorin, who were looking for local microbes that could reduce the need for chemical weed-killers that polluted the environment […]

09/13/2018 / By Ralph Flores

Organic fertilizers made with moringa promote the healthier growth of wheat

If you’re thinking of planting wheat, try adding some moringa to the mix to help it grow faster and keep weeds at bay, according to a study in Allelopathy Journal. In the study, the researchers investigated extracts from the leaves, flowers, and seeds of the moringa tree (Moringa oleifera), in particular, how they affect the growth […]

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