A novel, patented eco-friendly weedicide formulation has been developed for the rapid and complete management of the invasive aquatic weed Eichhornia crassipes water hyacinth , resulting in an Indian patent. Water hyacinth is a fast-growing invasive aqua
Title: Laboratory Phase - Developed and tested a novel weedicide formulation against Eichhornia crassipes water hyacinth under controlled conditions temperature, sunlight, dosage . - Confirmed efficacy- The weedicide effectively inhibited growth or killed the plant, establishing optimal application rates. Pilot and Field Preparation - Completed pilot study to validate initial lab findings. - Secured government approval Corporation Commissioner for field study in the designated area. - Sprayed weedicide across the approved study site to initiate real-world application. Field Monitoring and Water Quality Assessment - Conducted periodical water sample collection and monitoring before and after weedicide spraying. - Analyzed total water quality parameters, microbial populations, and zooplankton communities pre- and post-treatment. Toxicity and Safety Evaluations - Performed bioassay studies, including DNA damage analysis in fish to assess genotoxic effects. - Evaluated cytotoxicity of the weedicide formulation in L929 murine fibroblast cell lines using the MTT assay. - Validated the formulation through comparative analysis against commercial herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate , confirming superior or equivalent performance. This dual lab-to-field approach ensures the weedicide controls invasive water hyacinth effectively while minimizing environmental risks, positioning it as a promising eco-friendly solution for lakes, ponds, and rivers. Analysis of total water quality, microbial and zooplankton populations was carried out before and after weedicide spraying. Bioassay studies, including DNA damage analysis in fish, were conducted to assess genotoxic effects. Cytotoxicity evaluation of the weedicide formulation was performed in L929 murine fibroblast cell lines using the MTT assay. The formulation was also validated through comparative analysis with commercial herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate.
Innovator: Avinashilingam Institute for HSc and HEd for Women
USP: This patented weedicide formulation is uniquely positioned as an eco-friendly, biodegradable solution for the effective control of Eichhornia crassipes in aquatic ecosystems. Based on organic acids, the formulation exhibits comparatively lower cytotoxic and genotoxic effects than conventional herbicides, making it a safer alternative for the environment, aquatic life, and human health.
The formulation has been rigorously validated under both laboratory and field conditions, ensuring its efficacy and reliability for real-world application. It is deployable through Pest Control Agencies, enabling broad and practical reach across affected water bodies.
Beyond weed control, the formulation supports the sustainable utilization of weed biomass, adding further ecological and economic value by transforming a destructive invasive species into a manageable resource. Together, these attributes make it a targeted, scientifically proven, and environmentally responsible solution for the long-term management of invasive aquatic weeds.