Weeds are a major contributor to global agricultural losses, and conventional chemical herbicides have long dominated weed control strategies. However, their excessive use has led to widespread herbicide resistance, necessitating higher dosages and causing persistent environmental residues that hinder natural degradation. In response, fungal-based herbicides—known as mycoherbicides—have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives. Despite their potential, commercial deployment remains limited due to inconsistent efficacy and scalability challenges.

This review highlights the emerging promise of cell-free fungal metabolites as a next-generation solution for sustainable weed management. These phytotoxic compounds, derived from submerged fermentation—primarily bioreactors—offer advantages in handling, formulation, and application. The use of industrial waste as carbon and nitrogen sources aligns with circular economy principles, enhancing process sustainability. Advances in bioprospecting and in silico screening are accelerating metabolite discovery and optimization.
Fungal genera such as Alternaria sp., Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia sp. Fusarium sp., Drechslera sp., and Phoma sp. exhibit notable bioherbicidal activity. However, narrow host specificity, environmental persistence, and regulatory constraints continue to impede widespread adoption. The integration of cell-free metabolites with effective adjuvants alongside chemical herbicides is discussed as a strategy to enhance field efficacy and commercial viability.