Identification and characterization of phytotoxic metabolites of actinomycetes; candidates for the development of an eco-friendly tool for sustainable weed management
Summary
The crop yield loss due to weeds in Sri Lanka is considered as a major constraint in agriculture
productivity. For instance, in paddy cultivation, approximately 50% of the yield is lost annually due to weeds. Therefore, weed control is identified as a priority area of research under the national research and development framework (NRDF). Application of synthetic chemical herbicides has long been the practice used in Sri Lanka to control weeds in agriculture. However, indiscriminate use of synthetic chemical herbicides for a long period has created negative impact on the environmental and human health. Some of the most problematic weeds in major crops have become resistant to present-day herbicides. Herbicides residues accumulate in soil and water and pass to the human diet through rice, vegetable and fish.
Accumulation of cadmium and arsenic was evident in drinking water, rice and fish. Further, glyphosate herbicide is now thought to be a major causal factor of Chromic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) prevailing in major agricultural districts. Thus, implementation of safe and eco-friendly alternatives to control weeds of major crops is vitally important. This research aims to discover soil bacteria-based natural compounds as candidates for the formulation herbicides to control problematic weeds in major crop cultivations. Our findings can be used in large scale production process by public and private sector. In here, the department of agriculture has a major role in conducting field trials. In summary, our findings will pave the way for eco-friendly and safe agronomic practice within the country.
Objectives
- 1. Identification of actinomycetes species exhibiting phytotoxic activity against common and problematic weed species in agriculture in Sri Lanka
- 2. Elucidation of mechanisms of their phytotoxic activity
- 3. Determination of chemical structure/s of active ingredient/s of phytotoxic compound/s 4. Identification of phytotoxic actinomycetes and their phylogenetic affiliations