Bio-Management of Weeds through Utilization as Value-Added Products: A Review

Abstract

Weed species are problematic because they reduce value of the land, cause hazards, impede water transportation, cause illness to humans and livestock, reduce biodiversity and reduce crop yield (30–55%) and quality of harvested product when infest field crops. Such traits also include production of high biomass and production of phytotoxins. In addition to agroecosystem, about 50% of garasslands are covered by weeds. Chemical weed control is not sustainable due to evolution of widespread herbicide resistance and other hazards associated with chemical use. One alternative for farmers could be the utilization of certain weed species for a beneficial purpose. This has to be done properly to prevent spreading weed seeds to newly cultivated areas. Nutrients and minerals in weed biomass can be returned to the soil when used as green manure or compost and organic mulch in crops, vegetables and fruit trees. Utilization of weeds as compost, organic mulch, hay and silage, bioherbicides, biofuel and other value-added products could be environment friendly alternatives. Weeds also demonstrate significant potential for utilization in dye degradation, papermaking, cellulose production, corrosion inhibition, biosorption, and phytoextraction. Other indirect benefits include reduced use of synthetic herbicides and fertilizers, and improved soil quality. Little information is available on beneficial uses of weeds. This review paper has discussed the available literature regarding the utilization of weeds, and has identified research gaps and deficiencies, which need further research to explore potential of weeds as a source of value-added products. © 2024 Friends Science Publishers