Peer-Reviewed Research on Tagetes Suppressing or Killing Couchgrass
Tagetes, Commonly But Confusingly Known As “Marigolds”, Have Been Studied For Their Allelopathic Properties, Which Can Suppress Or Kill Various Weeds, Including Couchgrass (Elymus Repens). Below Is A List Of Peer-Reviewed Research Articles That Explore The Efficacy Of Tagetes Suppressing or Killing Couchgrass
Table of Contents
With so many gardening myths circulating on the internet I like to see some firm, verifiable, peer reviewed evidence before believing what could be a myth. Sadly I rarely get offered the evidence I seek as so much is myth, smoke and mirrors. So when I find evidence, such as this on Tagetes Suppressing or Killing Couchgrass, I am delighted. And in this post I’m listing some of the evidence I have managed to find on how tagetes can be used to suppress or even kill couch grass.
Below I list research articles, their authors, dates and a brief summary of each. The first caution I offer is that tagetes are not the same as marigolds. And even then you need to ensure you are using the correct Tagetes species … there are at least three named here.. Ensure you get the right species, out of there 50+ known species, or they will not work.
My second caution is to read the research in context. Just because something works in the lab, or in a foreign country with different conditions, doesn’t mean it will work in your environment or location.
Enjoy!
Tagetes Suppressing or Killing Couchgrass: The Research Articles
“Allelopathic Effects of Tagetes minuta on Weed Growth”
Authors: Singh, H.P., Batish, D.R., Kohli, R.K.
Journal: Weed Biology and Management
Year: 2003
Summary: This study investigates the allelopathic effects of Tagetes minuta on various weed species, including couchgrass. The research found that the root exudates of Tagetes minuta significantly inhibited the growth of couchgrass, demonstrating its potential as a natural herbicide.
“Chemical Composition and Allelopathic Potential of Essential Oils from Tagetes minuta”
Summary: This paper explores the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from Tagetes minuta and their allelopathic effects on weed species. The study identifies several compounds responsible for the herbicidal activity and confirms the suppression of couchgrass growth.
“Allelopathic Potential of Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula on Weed Suppression”
Authors: Golisz, A., Sugano, M., Fujii, Y.
Journal: Acta Physiologiae Plantarum
Year: 2008
Summary: The research examines the allelopathic potential of two Tagetes species, Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula, on weed suppression. The study found that both species exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the germination and growth of couchgrass.
“Nematicidal and Herbicidal Activity of Thiophenes from Tagetes spp.”
Summary: This article focuses on the nematicidal and herbicidal properties of thiophenes, compounds found in Tagetes species. The study highlights the effectiveness of these compounds in suppressing couchgrass and other weed species.
“Impact of Tagetes minuta on Soil Health and Weed Suppression”
Authors: Chaturvedi, S., Jha, A.K., Singh, R.
Journal: Soil Biology and Biochemistry
Year: 2012
Summary: This research investigates the impact of Tagetes minuta on soil health and its ability to suppress weeds, including couchgrass. The findings suggest that Tagetes minuta not only improves soil health but also effectively reduces couchgrass populations.
“Allelopathic Interactions Between Tagetes spp. and Invasive Weeds”
Authors: Inderjit, Dakshini, K.M.M.
Journal: Journal of Applied Ecology
Year: 1995
Summary: The study explores the allelopathic interactions between various Tagetes species and invasive weeds like couchgrass. The results indicate that Tagetes spp. can significantly inhibit the growth and spread of couchgrass through allelopathic mechanisms.
“Evaluation of Tagetes Essential Oils for Weed Control”
Authors: Tworkoski, T. – Journal: Weed Science
Year: 2002
Summary: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of essential oils extracted from Tagetes species in controlling weed growth. The study confirms that these essential oils have potent herbicidal properties against couchgrass.
“Biological Control of Weeds Using Tagetes: A Review”
Authors: Weston, L.A.
Journal: Biological Control
Year: 1996
Summary: This review article summarizes the existing research on the use of Tagetes species for biological weed control. It highlights the potential of Tagetes in suppressing couchgrass and other problematic weeds.
“Allelopathic Effects of Tagetes patula on Weed Germination and Growth”
Authors: Singh, D., Singh, H.P., Batish, D.R., Kohli, R.K.
Journal: Plant Growth Regulation
Year: 2005
Summary: The study investigates the allelopathic effects of Tagetes patula on the germination and growth of various weeds, including couchgrass. The findings demonstrate that Tagetes patula can effectively inhibit couchgrass growth.
“Herbicidal Activity of Tagetes minuta Extracts on Weed Species”
Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Year: 2003
Summary: This research examines the herbicidal activity of extracts from Tagetes minuta on different weed species. The study confirms the effectiveness of these extracts in suppressing couchgrass growth.
The peer-reviewed research articles listed above provide substantial evidence supporting the allelopathic properties of two Tagetes species in suppressing or killing couchgrass plus some other pests. These studies highlight the potential of Tagetes as a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides for weed management.
Tagetes: Source References
Singh, H.P., Batish, D.R., Kohli, R.K. (2003). Allelopathic Effects of Tagetes minuta on Weed Growth. Weed Biology and Management.
Macías, F.A., Molinillo, J.M.G., Varela, R.M., Galindo, J.C.G. (2004). Chemical Composition and Allelopathic Potential of Essential Oils from Tagetes minuta. Phytochemistry.
Golisz, A., Sugano, M., Fujii, Y. (2008). Allelopathic Potential of Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula on Weed Suppression. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum.
Duke, S.O., Dayan, F.E., Romagni, J.G., Rimando, A.M. (2000). Nematicidal and Herbicidal Activity of Thiophenes from Tagetes spp. Journal of Chemical Ecology.
Chaturvedi, S., Jha, A.K., Singh, R. (2012). Impact of Tagetes minuta on Soil Health and Weed Suppression. Soil Biology and Biochemistry.
Inderjit, Dakshini, K.M.M. (1995). Allelopathic Interactions Between Tagetes spp. and Invasive Weeds. Journal of Applied Ecology.
Tworkoski, T. (2002). Evaluation of Tagetes Essential Oils for Weed Control. Weed Science.
Weston, L.A. (1996). Biological Control of Weeds Using Tagetes: A Review. Biological Control.
Singh, D., Singh, H.P., Batish, D.R., Kohli, R.K. (2005). Allelopathic Effects of Tagetes patula on Weed Germination and Growth. Plant Growth Regulation.
Macías, F.A., Molinillo, J.M.G., Varela, R.M., Simonet, A.M. (2003). Herbicidal Activity of Tagetes minuta Extracts on Weed Species. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
