Weed chemical a possible weed killer

FORT COLLINS, Colo., June 26 (UPI) -- An invasive pest that is able to spread aggressively because it releases a chemical toxic to other plants may be developed into a natural herbicide to protect valuable crops, researchers reported Wednesday. Spotted knapweed, which has been spreading fiercely across ranches and farms for years, crowding out both wild and cultivated plants alike, releases a chemical through its roots called catechin, which is toxic to other plants.