The agriculture industry encounters a very specific problem when using artificial agrochemicals. Sometimes the plant is negative affected by the chemical directly, and sometimes, when releasing the toxin, the plant stunts the growth of neighboring plants of the same species or plants from a different species. By the way, this toxic release and the resulting growth suppression is called allelopathy. Interestingly enough, researchers are attempting to find ways to harness this toxic release and turn it into something positive. Biodegradable and healthy agrochemicals are one solution, but the plant’s release of these chemicals can potentially be used to stunt neighboring weed growth, as natural herbicides. This phenomenon is not a new occurrence. In fact, all living things take in what nutrition they can and then expel the waste or non-nutritive substances, using a variety of elimination techniques. For example, humans are capable of eliminating waste not only through urinating and defecating, but also through sweat, tears, bleeding, vomiting, and by collecting liquids or hard substances and merely pushing them through the skin. Using a plant’s natural abilities to release chemicals and impact the environment around them could be advantageous. After the chemical has been somewhat altered by the plant and then released, it’s effect upon the target weed could be used to kill it. These altered agrochemicals are called microbial secondary metabolites.
Sanjai Saxena and Akhilesh K. Pandey wrote an article published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. This article discusses using microbial secondary metabolites in conjunction with biodegradable and eco friendly agrochemicals to achieve the desired result: turning them into environmentally friendly herbicides to destroy weeds which grow among healthy crops.
While these technologies are being improved upon, there are other technologies which are already developed and effective. There are many types of agricultural products which are safe, earth friendly, and highly effective. Envirosafe Solutions offers completely eco friendly dust suppressants and soil wetting agents for your agricultural needs. Stop by our website, read our reviews, ask us any questions which you may have, or contact us by phone today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.
“SpringerLink – Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, Volume 55, Number 4.” SpringerLink. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. http://www.springerlink.com/content/rp19gtrqcp4fhqnc/.
