Phytotoxic Potential of Methyl 4-Hydroxyphenylacetate Against <i>Ageratina adenophora</i> (Spreng.): Mechanistic Insights and Implications for Sustainable Weed Management

Phytotoxic Potential of Methyl 4-Hydroxyphenylacetate Against <i>Ageratina adenophora</i> (Spreng.): Mechanistic Insights and Implications for Sustainable Weed Management

Current management of <i>Ageratina adenophora</i>, a highly invasive weed, relies on synthetic herbicides with environmental and resistance risks, necessitating eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluated seven phenyl derivatives for phytotoxic activity against <i>A. adenophora...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zhiyun Yang, Xiao Ding, Junbo Yang, Mehboob Hussain, Yanan Ruan, Xi Gao, Guoxing Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Agriculture
Subjects:
<i>Ageratina adenophora</i>
herbicide
methyl 4-hydroxyphenylacetate
phytotoxic potential
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/8/824
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Summary:Current management of <i>Ageratina adenophora</i>, a highly invasive weed, relies on synthetic herbicides with environmental and resistance risks, necessitating eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluated seven phenyl derivatives for phytotoxic activity against <i>A. adenophora</i> via in vitro bioassays. Methyl 4-hydroxyphenylacetate exhibited potent herbicidal efficacy, achieving 100% mortality in 2-month-old seedlings at 30 mM, 3-month-old seedlings at 100 mM, and wild adult/6-month-old plants at 200 mM within 48 h. At 250 mM, the compound reduced CO<sub>2</sub> assimilation by 113.6% and stomatal conductance by 92.2%, indicating severe photosynthetic and transpirational disruption via oxidative stress-mediated chloroplast degradation and stomatal dysfunction. Hormonal profiling revealed significant declines in IAA-ASP, GA1, TZeatin, and TZR, alongside elevated ABA levels, while GA3 remained stable. These hormonal shifts likely drive stomatal closure and metabolic collapse, culminating in plant death. This study provides the first evidence of methyl 4-hydroxyphenylacetate’s dual-action phytotoxicity—targeting both stomatal regulation and hormonal balance—positioning it as a sustainable biocontrol agent for <i>A. adenophora</i> and potentially other invasive weeds.
ISSN:2077-0472

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