Development of bioherbicides combining essential oils and organic acids

As part of the European CONSERWA project (https://conserwa.eu), which promotes agroecological weed management strategies, the University of Liège is developing an innovative bioherbicide based on a synbiotic approach. This strategy leverages the synergistic combination of microbial and plant-derived compounds to optimize bioactive inputs while maintaining or even enhancing herbicidal efficacy, particularly against resistant weeds.
In this study, volatile aromatic compounds from essential oils (monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids) were combined with organic acids (e.g., acetic, lactic, or citric acid) to assess their potential for weed control. A selection of monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids was first screened based on their known herbicidal properties through in vitro germination assays and post-emergence tests. The most effective compounds were then combined with organic acids to evaluate potential synergistic interactions. Certain combinations exhibited significant synergy against weed species such as Lolium perenne.
Ongoing research aims to further elucidate the synergistic mechanisms between organic acids and essential oil components.