COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GLYPHOSATE AND ACETIC ACID GENERALLY REGARDED AS SAFE (ACETIC -GRAS) HERBICIDE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The increasing use of synthetic herbicides in agriculture has raised concerns regarding environmental pollution, human health risks, and the development of herbicide-resistant weed species. These issues necessitate the search for safer, sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives. Despite the abundance of food processing waste like pineapple and cassava peels, their potential as sources of bio-herbicidal agents remains underexplored, especially in developing countries like Nigeria where such waste is prevalent. This research investigates the potential of industrial food processing waste specifically pineapple peels, as viable substitutes for active ingredients in herbicides that are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Pineapple peels were converted into acetic acid through two-stage fermentation involving Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Acetobacter species. The formed acetic acid was formulated to herbicide and tested for efficacy against common weed species such as Amaranthus spinosus and Echinochloa crus-galli. Field trials were conducted using a 1 m² randomized block design to compare the herbicidal effectiveness of the formulated acetic acid with glyphosate and water (control). The weed suppression was monitored over 21 days.
The acetic acid based herbicides exhibited rapid contact action, causing significant phytotoxic effects within three days. Glyphosate exhibited a more systemic and prolonged suppression. Additionally, biodegradability studies indicated that acetic acid based herbicides decomposed fully within 7–10 days, while glyphosate residues persisted up to 45 days at post-application.
The work revealed that developed bio herbicides is environmental compatible and of lower ecological risk. The pineapple peel serves as an effective, low cost and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic toxic herbicides. It supports sustainable agriculture and provides a waste-to-wealth opportunity.
Keywords: Herbicides, Acetic acid, Agro wastes, Pineapple peels, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Acetobacter, Amaranthus spinosus and Echinochloa crus-galli.
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