Allelopathy and its role in agriculture

Abstract

Allelopathy as a tool, can be importantly used to combat the challenges of environmental pollution and herbicide resistance development. This review article provides a recent update regarding the practical application of allelopathy in agricultural systems. Several studies elaborate on the significance of allelopathy for weed management. Rye, sorghum, rice, sunflower, rape seed, and wheat have been documented as important allelopathic crops. These crops express their allelopathic potential by releasing allelochemicals which not only suppress weeds, but also promote underground microbial activities. Further, several types of allelopathic plants can be intercropped with other crops to smother weeds. The use of allelopathic cover crops and mulches can reduce weed pressure in field crops. Rotating a routine crop with an allelopathic crop for one season is another method of allelopathic weed control. Importantly, plant breeding can be explored to improve the allelopathic potential of crop cultivars. The sustainability of agriculture relies on the development of strategies that lower the need for costly external inputs and minimize detrimental effects on the environment, which often involve either inappropriate or excessive use of agrochemical inputs. One strategy, integrating plant allelopathy into sustainable agriculture, is discussed in this paper. Agriculture integrated with allelopathy could reduce the heavy dependence on synthetic herbicides and other agrochemicals, and therefore ease problems such as environmental contamination, use of unsafe agricultural products and effects on human health.