Co-Authors:
Dor, E., Weed Research Department, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, P. O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel
Hershenhorn, J., Weed Research Department, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, P. O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel
Abstract:
Both leaf extract and dry leaves of Inula viscosa proved effective phytoherbicides for use in organic agriculture. Dodder, pigweed and wild mustard were highly sensitive to the extract and to the ground dry leaves mixed with soil. The phytotoxicity of leaf extract and dry leaves was specific to wheat, cotton and melon crops, whose seedlings were resistant. The active compound was purified and its chemical structure was verified as the sesquiterpene lactone tayunin (C15H20O3). The metabolite was stable under high temperatures, a wide pH range and in long storage.