Effects of Allelopathic Chemicals on Crop Productivity

Abstract

Biochemical interactions among plants (allelopathy) result from the activity of a diverse group of compounds synthesized by higher plants and microorganisms. Commonly accepted representatives include scopoletin, ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, catechin, amygdalin, patulin, and juglone. Allelopathic regulation of plant growth and development depends on the concentration, combination of substances, edaphic and climatic factors, interaction with other stresses, and species sensitivity. The source of allelochemicals in agricultural fields may be the weeds, crops, or microorganisms. Yields may be affected by (a) the inhibitory or stimulatory effect of a crop on the subsequent crop, (b) the capacity of crop plants to inhibit weeds, and (c) production losses due to allelopathic weeds. Allelochemical interference with germination or growth of a crop can occur from direct effects on metabolism, or indirectly through effects on nitrogen fixation and other microorganism activity. Many physiological processes are altered by allelopathic chemicals, but it has been difficult to determine the primary mechanism involved for a specific compound. Both avoidance and application strategies may be employed to utilize allelochemicals for improving crop production. These include management of crop sequences, utilization of allelopathic crop residues, breeding crops for weed control, and development of allelochemicals as herbicides.

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Additional Information

ACS Symposium Series Vol. 276, Bioregulators for Pest Control Chapter 8 pp 109-130.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-1985-0276.ch008

Publication Date

1-1-1985

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