Bioherbicidal Properties and Chemical Composition of Bitter Kola Pod Extract

Abstract

Weeds pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, necessitating the search for eco-friendly weed management solutions. This study investigates the bioherbicidal properties and chemical composition of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) pod extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results identified 18 distinct chemical compounds, including phenolics, ketones, hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and herbicide-related compounds. Notably, Fluometuron, Diuron, Linuron, and Chlorbromuron—compounds commonly found in synthetic herbicides—were detected, highlighting the herbicidal potential of the extract. Phenolic compounds such as catechol and 2,6-dimethyl phenol exhibited strong allelopathic effects, suppressing weed growth through oxidative stress induction and metabolic disruption. The findings suggest that bitter kola pod extract could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic herbicides, offering a sustainable approach to weed management. Further research on formulation optimization, field trials, and toxicity assessments is recommended to enhance its application in modern agriculture.