Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire

Eric-Olivier Tienebo; Desire Anicet Kouassi; Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji; Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu; Wonhna Marc Soro; Kouassi Armand Ekra; Massiata Dagnogo; Olga Droh; Herve Kanga-Eba; Kouakou Theodore Kouadio; Kouabenan Abo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14

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Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire

Eric-Olivier Tienebo^*

, Desire Anicet Kouassi

, Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji

, Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu, Wonhna Marc Soro, Kouassi Armand Ekra, Massiata Dagnogo, Olga Droh, Herve Kanga-Eba, Kouakou Theodore Kouadio

, Kouabenan Abo

Published in American Journal of BioScience (Volume 13, Issue 6)

Received: 20 November 2025 Accepted: 4 December 2025 Published: 29 December 2025

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Abstract

The search for effective and environmentally sustainable bioherbicides is a key objective in integrated weed management. This study evaluated the herbicidal potential of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice, a by-product of the essential oil industry, based on its high acetic acid content. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design to test five application rates (1,500, 1,200, 900, 600, and 300 L ha^-1) on two contrasting weed communities: young regrowth (one week after mowing) and established weeds (four months after mowing). Efficacy was assessed over 60 days using the Henderson-Tilton formula and the European Weed Research Council (EWRC) rating scale. Soil pH was analyzed post-trial to detect acidification. A central finding was the stark contrast in efficacy based on weed growth stage. On established weeds, the rates of 1,500 L ha^-1 and 900 L ha^-1 provided the best control, with a residual activity of 30-45 days and efficacy >90% for up to 45 Days After Application (DAA). In sharp contrast, the treatment was largely ineffective on young regrowth, with even the highest doses providing only transient control that declined to very poor efficacy (≤31%) by 60 DAA. Results demonstrated that bergamot juice provided effective control of a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds, including Phyllanthus amarus and Ageratum conyzoides, but showed poor efficacy against several grass species, particularly Paspalum dilatatum. Critically, no significant or consistent changes in soil pH were detected following application. The findings confirm that bergamot juice is a viable contact bioherbicide for managing established broadleaf weeds without impacting soil acidity but is not suitable for controlling young regrowth. Further research is needed to optimize application strategies, determine its economic feasibility, and fully elucidate its efficacy spectrum for commercial adoption.

Published in	American Journal of BioScience (Volume 13, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
Page(s)	218-233
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Citrus bergamia, Organic Weed Control, Acetic Acid, Contact Herbicide, Non-target Effect, Sustainable Agriculture

References

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Tienebo, E., Kouassi, D. A., Gadji, A. A. G., Goueu, M. M. A., Soro, W. M., et al. (2025). Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire. American Journal of BioScience, 13(6), 218-233. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14

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ACS Style

Tienebo, E.; Kouassi, D. A.; Gadji, A. A. G.; Goueu, M. M. A.; Soro, W. M., et al. Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire. Am. J. BioScience 2025, 13(6), 218-233. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14

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AMA Style

Tienebo E, Kouassi DA, Gadji AAG, Goueu MMA, Soro WM, et al. Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire. Am J BioScience. 2025;13(6):218-233. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14

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@article{10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14,
  author = {Eric-Olivier Tienebo and Desire Anicet Kouassi and Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji and Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu and Wonhna Marc Soro and Kouassi Armand Ekra and Massiata Dagnogo and Olga Droh and Herve Kanga-Eba and Kouakou Theodore Kouadio and Kouabenan Abo},
  title = {Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire},
  journal = {American Journal of BioScience},
  volume = {13},
  number = {6},
  pages = {218-233},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajbio.20251306.14},
  abstract = {The search for effective and environmentally sustainable bioherbicides is a key objective in integrated weed management. This study evaluated the herbicidal potential of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice, a by-product of the essential oil industry, based on its high acetic acid content. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design to test five application rates (1,500, 1,200, 900, 600, and 300 L ha-1) on two contrasting weed communities: young regrowth (one week after mowing) and established weeds (four months after mowing). Efficacy was assessed over 60 days using the Henderson-Tilton formula and the European Weed Research Council (EWRC) rating scale. Soil pH was analyzed post-trial to detect acidification. A central finding was the stark contrast in efficacy based on weed growth stage. On established weeds, the rates of 1,500 L ha-1 and 900 L ha-1 provided the best control, with a residual activity of 30-45 days and efficacy >90% for up to 45 Days After Application (DAA). In sharp contrast, the treatment was largely ineffective on young regrowth, with even the highest doses providing only transient control that declined to very poor efficacy (≤31%) by 60 DAA. Results demonstrated that bergamot juice provided effective control of a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds, including Phyllanthus amarus and Ageratum conyzoides, but showed poor efficacy against several grass species, particularly Paspalum dilatatum. Critically, no significant or consistent changes in soil pH were detected following application. The findings confirm that bergamot juice is a viable contact bioherbicide for managing established broadleaf weeds without impacting soil acidity but is not suitable for controlling young regrowth. Further research is needed to optimize application strategies, determine its economic feasibility, and fully elucidate its efficacy spectrum for commercial adoption.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire
AU  - Eric-Olivier Tienebo
AU  - Desire Anicet Kouassi
AU  - Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji
AU  - Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu
AU  - Wonhna Marc Soro
AU  - Kouassi Armand Ekra
AU  - Massiata Dagnogo
AU  - Olga Droh
AU  - Herve Kanga-Eba
AU  - Kouakou Theodore Kouadio
AU  - Kouabenan Abo
Y1  - 2025/12/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
T2  - American Journal of BioScience
JF  - American Journal of BioScience
JO  - American Journal of BioScience
SP  - 218
EP  - 233
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-0167
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
AB  - The search for effective and environmentally sustainable bioherbicides is a key objective in integrated weed management. This study evaluated the herbicidal potential of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice, a by-product of the essential oil industry, based on its high acetic acid content. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design to test five application rates (1,500, 1,200, 900, 600, and 300 L ha-1) on two contrasting weed communities: young regrowth (one week after mowing) and established weeds (four months after mowing). Efficacy was assessed over 60 days using the Henderson-Tilton formula and the European Weed Research Council (EWRC) rating scale. Soil pH was analyzed post-trial to detect acidification. A central finding was the stark contrast in efficacy based on weed growth stage. On established weeds, the rates of 1,500 L ha-1 and 900 L ha-1 provided the best control, with a residual activity of 30-45 days and efficacy >90% for up to 45 Days After Application (DAA). In sharp contrast, the treatment was largely ineffective on young regrowth, with even the highest doses providing only transient control that declined to very poor efficacy (≤31%) by 60 DAA. Results demonstrated that bergamot juice provided effective control of a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds, including Phyllanthus amarus and Ageratum conyzoides, but showed poor efficacy against several grass species, particularly Paspalum dilatatum. Critically, no significant or consistent changes in soil pH were detected following application. The findings confirm that bergamot juice is a viable contact bioherbicide for managing established broadleaf weeds without impacting soil acidity but is not suitable for controlling young regrowth. Further research is needed to optimize application strategies, determine its economic feasibility, and fully elucidate its efficacy spectrum for commercial adoption.
VL  - 13
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Author Information

Eric-Olivier Tienebo

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7877-3079
Desire Anicet Kouassi

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4446-1727
Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji

Vegetable and Protein Crop Program, Bouake Food Crop Research Station, Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2300-383X
Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email
Wonhna Marc Soro

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire;Babokon Integrated Agricultural Unit, Ivorian Plantation Company, Guitry, Cote d’Ivoire

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Kouassi Armand Ekra

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email
Massiata Dagnogo

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email
Olga Droh

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire;Babokon Integrated Agricultural Unit, Ivorian Plantation Company, Guitry, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email
Herve Kanga-Eba

Babokon Integrated Agricultural Unit, Ivorian Plantation Company, Guitry, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email
Kouakou Theodore Kouadio

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-2385-9154
Kouabenan Abo

Joint Research and Innovation Unit - Agricultural Sciences and Processing Techniques (UMRI – SAPT), Felix Houphouet-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute (INP-HB), Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire

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APA Style

Tienebo, E., Kouassi, D. A., Gadji, A. A. G., Goueu, M. M. A., Soro, W. M., et al. (2025). Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire. American Journal of BioScience, 13(6), 218-233. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14

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ACS Style

Tienebo, E.; Kouassi, D. A.; Gadji, A. A. G.; Goueu, M. M. A.; Soro, W. M., et al. Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire. Am. J. BioScience 2025, 13(6), 218-233. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14

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AMA Style

Tienebo E, Kouassi DA, Gadji AAG, Goueu MMA, Soro WM, et al. Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire. Am J BioScience. 2025;13(6):218-233. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14,
  author = {Eric-Olivier Tienebo and Desire Anicet Kouassi and Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji and Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu and Wonhna Marc Soro and Kouassi Armand Ekra and Massiata Dagnogo and Olga Droh and Herve Kanga-Eba and Kouakou Theodore Kouadio and Kouabenan Abo},
  title = {Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire},
  journal = {American Journal of BioScience},
  volume = {13},
  number = {6},
  pages = {218-233},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajbio.20251306.14},
  abstract = {The search for effective and environmentally sustainable bioherbicides is a key objective in integrated weed management. This study evaluated the herbicidal potential of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice, a by-product of the essential oil industry, based on its high acetic acid content. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design to test five application rates (1,500, 1,200, 900, 600, and 300 L ha-1) on two contrasting weed communities: young regrowth (one week after mowing) and established weeds (four months after mowing). Efficacy was assessed over 60 days using the Henderson-Tilton formula and the European Weed Research Council (EWRC) rating scale. Soil pH was analyzed post-trial to detect acidification. A central finding was the stark contrast in efficacy based on weed growth stage. On established weeds, the rates of 1,500 L ha-1 and 900 L ha-1 provided the best control, with a residual activity of 30-45 days and efficacy >90% for up to 45 Days After Application (DAA). In sharp contrast, the treatment was largely ineffective on young regrowth, with even the highest doses providing only transient control that declined to very poor efficacy (≤31%) by 60 DAA. Results demonstrated that bergamot juice provided effective control of a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds, including Phyllanthus amarus and Ageratum conyzoides, but showed poor efficacy against several grass species, particularly Paspalum dilatatum. Critically, no significant or consistent changes in soil pH were detected following application. The findings confirm that bergamot juice is a viable contact bioherbicide for managing established broadleaf weeds without impacting soil acidity but is not suitable for controlling young regrowth. Further research is needed to optimize application strategies, determine its economic feasibility, and fully elucidate its efficacy spectrum for commercial adoption.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire
AU  - Eric-Olivier Tienebo
AU  - Desire Anicet Kouassi
AU  - Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji
AU  - Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu
AU  - Wonhna Marc Soro
AU  - Kouassi Armand Ekra
AU  - Massiata Dagnogo
AU  - Olga Droh
AU  - Herve Kanga-Eba
AU  - Kouakou Theodore Kouadio
AU  - Kouabenan Abo
Y1  - 2025/12/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
T2  - American Journal of BioScience
JF  - American Journal of BioScience
JO  - American Journal of BioScience
SP  - 218
EP  - 233
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-0167
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
AB  - The search for effective and environmentally sustainable bioherbicides is a key objective in integrated weed management. This study evaluated the herbicidal potential of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice, a by-product of the essential oil industry, based on its high acetic acid content. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design to test five application rates (1,500, 1,200, 900, 600, and 300 L ha-1) on two contrasting weed communities: young regrowth (one week after mowing) and established weeds (four months after mowing). Efficacy was assessed over 60 days using the Henderson-Tilton formula and the European Weed Research Council (EWRC) rating scale. Soil pH was analyzed post-trial to detect acidification. A central finding was the stark contrast in efficacy based on weed growth stage. On established weeds, the rates of 1,500 L ha-1 and 900 L ha-1 provided the best control, with a residual activity of 30-45 days and efficacy >90% for up to 45 Days After Application (DAA). In sharp contrast, the treatment was largely ineffective on young regrowth, with even the highest doses providing only transient control that declined to very poor efficacy (≤31%) by 60 DAA. Results demonstrated that bergamot juice provided effective control of a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds, including Phyllanthus amarus and Ageratum conyzoides, but showed poor efficacy against several grass species, particularly Paspalum dilatatum. Critically, no significant or consistent changes in soil pH were detected following application. The findings confirm that bergamot juice is a viable contact bioherbicide for managing established broadleaf weeds without impacting soil acidity but is not suitable for controlling young regrowth. Further research is needed to optimize application strategies, determine its economic feasibility, and fully elucidate its efficacy spectrum for commercial adoption.
VL  - 13
IS  - 6
ER  -

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