Natural herbicidal extract from cassava roots for organic weed management
A plant-based herbicide derived from Manihot esculenta (cassava) root extract that reduces weed seed germination and seedling growth by over 90% at low application rates. This low-cost, drought-tolerant solution targets broadleaved weeds including kochia, common lambsquarters, and redroot pigweed, offering an effective alternative for organic growers and sustainable agriculture.
Overview
This innovation leverages extracts from Manihot esculenta (cassava) roots as a natural, cost-effective herbicidal solution for weed management. Cassava is a widely available, drought-tolerant tropical crop, making it an accessible and affordable source of bioactive compounds with herbicidal activity. Greenhouse validation has demonstrated that application of 40 mL extract per 400 g of soil (10% v/w) reduced weed seed germination and seedling biomass by more than 90%. Postemergence application also reduced kochia growth by 60%. This solution is particularly valuable for organic growers seeking effective alternatives to synthetic herbicides and for integrated weed management programs.
Technical specifications
Key features and findings:
- Dose-response analysis on broadleaved weeds (kochia, common lambsquarters, and redroot pigweed) showed 50%, 90%, and 95% dry matter reduction at 33, 38, and 40 mL extract per 400 g soil, respectively
- Seven application rates tested (0 to 50 mL extract/400 g soil) in completely randomized greenhouse trials with five replications
- Effective as both a preemergence and postemergence treatment
- The herbicidal compound is heat-stable; boiling the extract does not reduce efficacy, suggesting the active ingredient is not hydrocyanide (a volatile compound previously suspected)
- Future work aims to identify the specific chemical compound responsible for herbicidal activity and characterize its mode of action through collaboration with Dr. Dayan's lab at Colorado State University
- Potential applications include organic farming systems, integrated weed management, and sustainable agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Greenhouse validation has been completed with strong, consistent results across multiple weed species. The active herbicidal compound has not yet been isolated or chemically identified, and field-scale trials have not been conducted. Proposed next steps include compound identification, mode-of-action studies, and expanded field validation to support eventual commercialization or licensing opportunities.
About University of Idaho
Founded as Idaho’s land‑grant, the University of Idaho is a comprehensive public research university with a statewide footprint anchored in Moscow. Industry engages through a Post Falls research park that co‑locates companies with faculty, multi‑campus centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls, and an Extension network active in 42 counties. Proximity and formal agreements with Idaho National Laboratory provide a direct conduit to national‑lab expertise and shared facilities in Idaho Falls. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP strategy, licensing and startup formation.
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