Underutilized Weed Flora as Bioresources for Sustainable Biotechnology and Food Security in Federal University Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable biotechnology, food security, and environmental conservation has increased interest in identifying underutilized plant resources with potential socioeconomic and ecological value. This study evaluated selected weed species occurring within the West Campus of Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, as potential bioresources for sustainable biotechnology and environmental management. Field surveys were conducted using a stratified quadrat sampling approach across different habitat conditions, and species were identified using standard taxonomic procedures. Selected species were assessed based on documented medicinal, nutritional, and ecological attributes. The study identified several weed species with significant bioresource potential. Medicinally important species included Euphorbia hirta, Senna alata, and Ageratum conyzoides, while Peperomia pellucida, Physalis angulata, and Ipomoea batatas were recognized for their nutritional value. Ecologically important species such as Panicum maximum, Axonopus compressus, and Eleusine indica contributed to soil stabilization, biomass production, and ecosystem support. In addition, Commelina benghalensis exhibited multiple functional attributes, including medicinal, nutritional, antioxidant, and ecological importance. The findings demonstrate that weed flora can serve as valuable sources of food, medicine, and ecosystem services while contributing to sustainable biotechnology and environmental management. The study supports a shift from indiscriminate weed eradication toward selective utilization and integrated management approaches that recognize beneficial weed species as important biological resources for biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainable development. However, the assessment was based primarily on field observations and published literature; therefore, further studies involving phytochemical, nutritional, molecular, and bioactivity analyses are required to further more validate the bioresource potential of these species and support their utilization in biotechnology and sustainable resource management.