Bioherbicide from Azadirachta indica Seed Waste: Exploitation, Efficient Extraction of Neem Oil and Allelopathic Effect on Senna occidentalis

Bioherbicides are an alternative to minimize the damage caused environment using agrochemicals. This study had objective of extracting neem oil from ripe waste fruits that Azadirachta indica A. Juss and optimizing process solvents (or a mixture solvents) with different polarities. Then, through solid-liquid extraction system (Soxhlet), hexane, methanol/hexane (1:1), ethanol, hexane/ethanol (1:1) were used determine highest yield most efficiency. The physicochemical parameters extracted (density, acidity value, iodine saponification esters molecular weight) % free fatty acids determined. In addition, allelopathic properties (0%, 2%, 3%, 4% m/v) on septic weed Senna occidentalis seeds evaluated, analyzing their growth development (germination, germination speed, hypocotyl, radicle length). Hexane was efficient (4 h) in extraction, (43%). It also provided better oleic linoleic acid content (41.3% 18.6%), similar ethanol (41.1% 20.22%). Moreover, more prominent for oils hexane hexane/ethanol. optimized provides obtain natural herbicidal potential strategically controlling harmful plants.