Crop allelopathy and its role in ecological agriculture

Abstract

A number of crops exhibit allelopathic interactions that play a significant role in the complex environment of agroecosystems. Several studies have shown that allelopathic crops reduce growth, development and yield of other crops growing simultaneously or subsequently in the fields. Another aspect of interest regarding crop allelopathy is that allelochemicals may exhibit inhibitory effect on the same crop which is commonly called as crop autotoxicity. It is predominantly common in fields where sole cropping under reduced or no-tillage system is practiced. Though any crop part can be allelopathic, including even the pollens, but decomposing crop residues exhibit more influence on other plants. Furthermore, the extent of allelopathy by a crop plant varies with age, part and type of cultivar being used. Nowadays allelo-pathic crops are being used as an important tool in managing weeds and harmful pests under sustainable pest management programs. In this context several cover/smother and green manure crops with allelopathic nature hold a good promise as well as challenge for the future as they have a potential to suppress noxious weeds. Likewise, the decomposing residues of such crops can also be used for managing harmful weeds and pests vis-à-vis maintaining the sustainability of the system. The traditional practice of crop rotation which declined with the discovery of synthetic herbicides can also be revived, if allelopathic potential of rotational crops is well understood. Selection of cultivars with high allelopathic potential/high competitiveness is another possible way by which crop allelopathy can be better utilized for weed control and yield enhancement. Crops with less allelopathic potential can be genetically improved by incorporating desired genes encoding the synthesis of allelochemicals. Pure allelochemicals extracted and identified from some crop plants can also be used as bioherbicides.