Review of the Bioherbicidal Potential of Agave lechuguilla Guishe: A Sustainable Alternative to Glyphosate for Weed Control
摘要
The excessive use of synthetic herbicides, particularly glyphosate, has raised environmental and health concerns, driving the search for sustainable weed management alternatives. Bioherbicides derived from plant secondary metabolites represent an eco-friendly option by inhibiting weed growth through multiple physiological mechanisms. Agave lechuguilla, a plant widely distributed in arid regions, produces saponins, flavonoids, and polyphenols with allelopathic activity. These compounds interfere with key biological processes in weeds, such as membrane permeability, auxin regulation, and oxidative stress induction, leading to reduced germination and growth. This review analyzes the bioherbicidal potential of Agave lechuguilla guishe, as a viable alternative to glyphosate by addressing its phytochemical composition and herbicidal mechanisms of action. In addition to contributing to sustainable agriculture, the valorization of guishe as a bioherbicide aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global framework adopted in 2015 by all UN Member States. This strategy promotes more efficient weed control to ensure food production (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) and aims to reduce health risks associated with exposure to synthetic herbicides (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being). Further research is needed to optimize its formulation and assess its field performance to ensure its effective implementation.