Invasive weed could be turned into a viable economic crop, say researchers

[Judi Lynn]

Story by Science X staff • 14h

One of the most invasive Australian weeds is being touted as a potential economic crop, with benefits for the construction, mining and forestry industries, and potentially many First Nations communities.

The prickly paddy melon weed, which costs the agricultural industry around $100 million a year in lost grain yields, cattle deaths, and control measures, could turn into an unlikely money spinner as a source of urease enzymes to create bio cement and prevent soil erosion.

In a world-first study, researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) screened 50 native plants and weeds to find a cheaper and more environmentally friendly source for bulk producing of urease enzymes to strengthen soil. They presented their findings at The International Conference on Sustainable Civil Engineering and Architecture.

Among the weeds tested, paddy melon ticked all the boxes and was almost as effective as soybean enzymes, which are more expensive and used primarily for food.

More:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/invasive-weed-could-be-turned-into-a-viable-economic-crop-say-researchers/ar-BB1iA8Mj

[Botany]

1. Thanx for posting I will have to go back and re-read the long article.

Lots of stuff to read about.

[NJCher]

2. I want me some paddy melon enzymes!

Snip

Herbicide is not only harmful to the environment but weeds often develop a resistance to these chemicals," Prof Rahman says. "Spraying paddy melon enzyme solution around the trees would create a thin crust, preventing weeds completely. In essence, we are using a weed to control a weed."

Snip

I’m emailing this story to one of my garden funders. She’s from Australia.

The paddy melons look like spaghetti squash.

Very important development.