Physiological and molecular insights into the allelopathic effects on agroecosystems under changing environmental conditions

Abstract

The phenomenon of allelopathy, wherein plants release biochemicals that influence the growth, development, and survival of neighboring organisms, holds immense significance in shaping agroecosystems. With changing environmental conditions, understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying allelopathic interactions becomes crucial for sustainable agricultural practices. This abstract reviews recent advancements in the field, focusing on the intricate interplay between allelopathic compounds, recipient plant physiology, and environmental factors. Allelopathic compounds, including phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids, exert diverse effects on recipient plants, ranging from growth promotion to inhibition, depending on concentration, duration of exposure, and plant species involved. Recent studies highlight the role of allelopathy in weed suppression, nutrient cycling, and crop productivity enhancement, underscoring its potential for weed management and agroecological intensification. At the physiological level, allelopathic compounds modulate various processes within recipient plants, including seed germination, root growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake. Mechanisms such as oxidative stress, hormonal signaling, and membrane permeability alterations contribute to the observed physiological responses.