Production and formulation of a bioherbicide as environment-friendly and safer alternative for weed control

Abstract

Bioherbicides are an alternative more environment-friendly for weed management in organic agriculture and also providing new modes of action for conventional agriculture. In this way, the present study is focused on the optimization of bioherbicide production by Phoma sp. in submerged fermentation and the development of a formulation to increase its efficiency. Fermentation media based on sucrose and corn steep liquor (CSL) was optimized aiming to maximize the target control. Additionally, several formulations containing adjuvants and fermented broth were developed aiming to increase the herbicidal activity. The optimized condition for bioherbicide production was 13 g.L-1 of sucrose and 15 g.L-1 of CSL. The use of adjuvants increased the herbicidal activity in pre and post-emergence of C. sativus and S. bicolor. The maximum herbicidal activity was obtained with 30% v/v of fermented broth combined with 1% v/v of surfactant and nitrogen source.