Complex Mixture of Arvensic Acids Isolated from Convolvulus arvensis Roots Identified as Inhibitors of Radicle Growth of Broomrape Weeds

Broomrape weeds (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) are noxious parasites that infect crops using haustoria formed at the tip of their radicles. Dichloromethane extract obtained from roots Convolvulus arvensis strongly inhibits radicle growth broomrape weeds. A complex mixture arvensic acids was isolated as metabolites responsible inhibitory activity C. against via activity-guided fractionation 1H NMR ESI MS data. We showed exposure seedlings to this results in a strong phytotoxic effect on radicles four species infecting wide range worldwide. This discovery paves way for synthesis new bioherbicides could contribute development efficient sustainable management strategies weeds, which control many is limited or non-existing.