Colorado State University (CSU) researchers are embarking on a cutting-edge project to develop a new biological herbicide specifically designed to target Palmer amaranth, one of the most problematic weeds in agriculture today. The $650,000 project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aims to harness synthetic biology techniques to create a biological solution that could eventually replace traditional chemical herbicides, which have become less effective and more harmful to the environment over time.

Palmer amaranth, a fast-growing weed resistant to many chemical herbicides, poses a significant challenge to farmers, with the potential to reduce crop yields by up to 91% in corn and 79% in soybeans. This weed contributes to the estimated $33 billion in annual losses the U.S. agricultural industry suffers due to difficult-to-control weeds.

The CSU research team, led by experts from the Departments of Biology and Agricultural Biology, plans to develop RNA molecules called ribozymes, which can be engineered to specifically target the genes that support the weed’s immune system or regulate its metabolism. By using a well-known plant virus as a vehicle, these ribozymes would infect and eliminate the weed without harming nearby crops, offering a more selective and environmentally friendly alternative to broad-spectrum chemical herbicides.

This innovative approach represents one of the first instances of using RNA-based tools in agriculture. The project’s co-leaders, Assistant Professor Arjun Khakhar and Professor Todd Gaines, emphasize the potential of this emerging technology to revolutionize weed management. Beyond targeting Palmer amaranth, this research could pave the way for broader applications in controlling other problematic weeds, thereby supporting global agricultural production goals.

The work also aligns with CSU’s land grant mission, which focuses on developing sustainable solutions for farmers and training the next generation of researchers. Professor Gaines, who has long studied herbicide resistance, highlights the importance of this research in addressing a growing threat to the global food supply. Through this project, CSU aims to improve the quality of life for people in Colorado and beyond while contributing to the future of sustainable agriculture.

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