Phytotoxic evaluation of natural compounds obtained from the fermentation processes of coffee (Coffea arabica) and natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) in synergy with organic compounds as potential bioherbicidal agents on grasses seeds

Currently, agricultural activities rely heavily on the use of glyphosate-based herbicides to combat seasonal weeds; however, this action also causes a reduction in crop production efficiency. Therefore, this issue has become a subject of intense public debate between those who consider glyphosate-based herbicides necessary in agricultural activities and those who assert potential risks and harmful effects on the environment and human health. In this regard, our work presents an alternative that combines the use of natural compounds from coffee (Coffea arabica) and natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) with organic compounds (phosphine derivatives) as a synergy to combat seasonal weeds. The phytotoxic effect of the developed formulations was evaluated through germination tests on grass seeds (Festuca rubra, Lolium perenne and Poa pratensis). The effectiveness of the formulations was evaluated in comparison with a commercial herbicide containing glyphosate as the active ingredient. The results show that six of our formulations are comparable in effectiveness to glyphosate (88%), and two formulations are more effective, inhibiting ³ 95% of root germination.