Biological Control of Weeds

Abstract

In response to the mounting environmental and anthropogenic challenges, there has been a notable shift towards adopting biological approaches as pivotal components of integrated and sustainable weed control strategies. Over the course of centuries, the efficacy of employing biological agents for weed management has emerged as a cornerstone in addressing these challenges. This review article aims to delve into the historical evolution and contemporary significance of biological agents in weed control, highlighting their pivotal role in modern agricultural and ecological practices. Our exploration begins with a classical perspective on the biological approach, shining a spotlight on arthropods, particularly insects. A unique angle introduced involves the redistribution of local arthropods as a nuanced method for effective weed control. Transitioning to the bioherbicide section, we delve into the realm of formulated natural products and their diverse formulations, recognizing their pivotal role in biological weed control. However, the landscape of biological weed control is not without its challenges. Financial constraints, side effects, and divergent opinions pose hurdles that warrant attention. Yet, despite these challenges, the narrative maintains an optimistic outlook. The underlying belief is that, in the future, biological methods will evolve to offer not only effective but also sustainable solutions for weed control practices. In essence, this abstract navigates through the historical successes of biological weed control, explores specific facets such as arthropods and bioherbicides, confronts existing challenges, and ultimately anticipates a future where biological methods emerge as more promising and sustainable players in the field of weed control.