Exploring the Biopesticidal Potential of Sonchus arvensis L. for Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Protection

Sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis L.) contains bioactive compounds with natural defense mechamism against pests and pathogens, making it a potential source for developing biopesticides. In present studies, advanced instrumental analysis methods, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and spectrophotometry, were employed to analyze the composition of sow thistle extracts. Key compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, rutin (0.2 μg/ml), quercetin (1.02 μg/ml), kaempferol (0.7 μg/ml), and ferulic acid (9.2 μg/ml) were identified. The extract demonstrated significant antifungal activity, inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum by 72.5% and Alternaria alternata by 78.8%, both major plant pathogens. Additionally, herbicidal effects were observed, with inhibition rates ranging from 29% to 95% on rapeseed germination. These findings highlight the potential of Sonchus arvensis as a sustainable biopesticide. Further research will optimize extraction methods for its use in eco-friendly pest management solutions.