Current production of bioherbicides: mechanisms of action and technical and scientific challenges to improve food and environmental security

Abstract

Modern agriculture is threatened by the possibility of nutrient losses, largely attributable the presence of competing weeds in these spaces. The challenge is to manage these weeds efficiently without harming the environment and the population. The inadequate use of a series of management techniques ends up causing resistance in weeds; therefore, we seek new forms of control. Among these are bioherbicides that are characterized by broad diversity with potential for use, in addition to presenting a strong bias of food and environmental security. In this context, this review aims to present an overview of the current production matrices of bioherbicides and the technical and scientific challenges still faced in order for these products to be placed on the market. Bioherbicide production should be encouraged so as to preserve environmental quality and human health. Faced with biotechnological issues, many paradigms need to be broken, especially with regard to scaling up, toxicity and implementation of these products on the world market so that farmers have access to and can provide quality and healthy food. This review discusses ways to facilitate this progress by encouraging research in the field of biotechnology.