Phytotoxic Activity of the Allelochemical, 2,4-Di-Tert-Butylphenol on Two Selected Weed Species

The allelochemical 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is one of the natural compounds present in medicinal plants. This compound has been reported to possess herbicidal properties. However, its effect on weed growth parameters is unknown for it to be utilized in weed management. Hence, the herbicidal potential of the allelochemical 2,4-DTBP on the root and leaf tissues of the grassy weed, Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees and the broadleaf weed, Hedyotis verticillata (L.) Lam was investigated. After 2,4-DTBP treatment, both bioassay species had abnormal and much shorter root hairs compared to those of untreated plants. The roots of H. verticillata were severely damaged with the root nodes turned brown. The phytotoxic effect of 2,4-DTBP on L. chinensis and H. verticillata became apparent at seven days and 14 days after treatment with symptoms of lamina wilting and necrosis, respectively. These results demonstrated that 2,4-DTBP could be used as a natural herbicide for the control of L. chinensis and H. verticillata.