Herbicidal and bacteriostatic compounds from centaurea maculosa

摘要

The present invention provides environmentally friendly herbicidal and bacteriostactic compositions based on exudates of the invasive Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed). The active components are the two enantiomers of the flavonol catechin. The (-) enantiomer is used as a broad spectrum herbicide while the (+) enantiomer is used for its bactericidal and bacteriostatic activitics against soil borne bacteria. Methods of isolating and using the catchin-containing compounds are also disclosed.