Mitigation of Solidago canadensis invasion using natural substances and selected endophytes

Aims The uncontrolled spread of invasive plant species is a major driver of biodiversity loss in plant communities. We evaluated a recently proposed biological method for invasive plant control, based on the application of bioherbicide containing L-arginine developed by White et al., Rutgers University, USA. This approach exploits the ability of microorganisms to synthesize ethylene from arginine supplied by plants, which, at high concentrations, induces excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to plant death while leaving no chemical residues in the treated soil. Methods The bioherbicide was tested to control Solidago canadensis colonizing areas in Krakow, Poland. To enhance the effectiveness of the bioherbicide, endophytic microbes were isolated from Solidago canadensis , molecularly identified, and multiplied. The influence of the bioherbicide on both above- and below-ground plant organs in the presence of endophytes was examined under field conditions. Photosynthetic efficiency and mycorrhizal diversity were assessed before and after application of the bioherbicide. Results One year after treatment, S. canadensis exhibited reduced photosynthetic performance, rhizome degradation, and a significant decline in shoot number, including generative shoots. Mycorrhizal colonization of remaining plants from treated plots remained unaffected. Conclusions These findings highlight the potential of L-arginine-based bioherbicides as an environmentally safe alternative to chemical herbicides for invasive plant management, particularly under conditions of climate change and ongoing species introductions.