Comparison of natural and chemical herbicides for weed management in Veracruz, Mexico

Background. Synthetic herbicides have reduced crop yield losses due to competition with weeds. However, their excessive use has led to the development of resistant ecotypes and damage to health and the environment. In response, countries such as Mexico have issued decrees to reduce their use, prompting the search for alternatives to glyphosate. Objective. To determine the efficacy of five natural and three synthetic herbicides for arvenses control in Veracruz, Mexico. Methodology. At INIFAP's Cotaxtla Experimental site, Zecatryn, Sec Natural, Herbitech, Kill-Herbs, and Vinecide were evaluated, as well as glyphosate, paraquat, and ammonium glufosinate, using commercial doses. A randomized block design with four replicates was used. Results. Weed control was achieved between 80 and 90% with glyphosate and Sec Natural up to 40 days after application (DAA), with similar results to those of Herbitech, Kill-Herbs, and ammonium glufosinate (70-80%). Paraquat achieved 50%, while Zecatryn recorded less than 15%. Implications. Some of the natural herbicides evaluated could be used as alternatives to glyphosate. Conclusions. Glyphosate showed higher effectiveness, with control greater than 80% at 70 DAA. Sec Natural, Herbitech, and Kill-Herbs had good to moderate efficiency up to 40 DAA, positioning them as viable bioherbicide options in an integrated weed control approach.