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

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