Nonanoic acid
Nonanoic acid or pelargonic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the environment and secreted by the geranium, Pelargonium roseum. It is a transparent, oily liquid insoluble in water with an unpleasant odor. The commercial product is derived from rapeseed oil.
Nonanoic acid is found in commercial solutions listed here.
How does it work?
Nonanoic acid attacks the cuticle of plants causing tissue dehydration. Within a few hours, the plant is dissected. However, the product is not systemic and the root system remains intact. It is really effective on young seedlings; in other situations (perennials and more developed plants) the acid will limit their growth.
The cuticle is a protective layer covering the aerial parts of plants. It is composed of successive deposits of waxes and hydrophobic fatty acids having two major roles: protecting the plant against pathogen development by creating a water-poor environment, and preventing water and certain molecule loss through evapotranspiration. Hence, the importance of applying nonanoic acid in dry and warm weather. Plants deprived of this protection dry out and die under solar radiation.
Currently, nonanoic acid is only approved for vine killing of potatoes, pinching, weed control in , and in green spaces.
Arvalis tested Beloukha between 2012 and 2014 on firm-flesh consumption potato. These trials showed a final efficacy of the product comparable to that of classic vine killers.
Benefits
- No known environmental consequences
- Biodegradable within 2 days without metabolites
- Visible action 2-3 hours after application
- IFT 0
Limitations
- Irritating substance for skin and eyes
- Use only in dry and sunny weather
- High application dose and very high cost per hectare
Advisor's opinion
Beloukha is a biocontrol product for potato vine killing with development potential in the coming years due to product withdrawals. However, the cost per hectare and slow action are obstacles to its development except in situations where an alternative to Reglone is sought.
Cost
€15-20/l
Sources
- This article was written based on the document The fields of possibility in biological control in large-scale crops jointly authored by François DUMOULIN, Hélène BAUDET, Gilles SALITOT, and Inma TINOCO from the Chamber of Agriculture of Oise.
Appendices
Est complémentaire des leviers
- Practice biocontrol using natural substances
- Practice biocontrol
- Practice biocontrol in viticulture
- Practice biocontrol in large-scale crops
- Practice biocontrol in vegetable growing
S'applique aux cultures suivantes
Défavorise les bioagresseurs suivants
