Biological weed management – A short review

Abstract

At present, reducing the use of pesticides is sought out, for besides the environmental damage caused by them, there is concern about the consumption of food contaminated with possible residues. This literature review aims to address the use of bioherbicides, besides evaluating their prospects and potential to manage weeds infesting agricultural and nonagricultural environments. There is a growing need to find new molecules or methods able to control weeds found in agricultural and nonagricultural areas. Thus, bioherbicides have aroused the interest from researchers, technicians and producers. These can be formulated from substances produced by the secondary metabolism of plants and/or microorganisms. Research conducted points to efficient control with the use of bioherbicides, mainly related to the germination processes and development of weeds, and in some cases have a phytotoxic potential even when these are in advanced stages. Herbicides, in addition to being effective in weed control, reduce environmental damage caused by continuous use of synthetic herbicides. Brazil has the potential to use bioherbicides aiming to have plant diversity and the various agricultural crops systems practiced in the country.