Allelopathy is defined as the biosynthesis and release by an organism of biologically active compounds, i.e., allelochemicals, that influence the growth and reproduction of other organisms. Allelochemicals are usually released from host organisms via volatilization, leaching, litter decomposition, and root exudation, which may impact neighboring species either through direct toxicity or indirect effects such as altering surrounding soil biota community or/and soil physio-chemical properties. In natural ecosystems, allelopathy is often considered to play important role in regulating community composition and dynamics by affecting both interspecific and intraspecific relationships. In artificial ecosystems, allelopathy has been reported to be one of the most important factors leading to continuous cropping disorder. Plants with allelopathic properties have the potential to be utilized directly in integrated weed control as cover crops, intercrops, green manure, etc. Furthermore, the discovery of active allelochemicals may lead to the development of environment-friendly herbicides which could have a substantial effect on conventional herbicide use.
Despite the fact that allelopathy is common in nature, elucidation of its mechanism can be rather complicated and challenging because it differs significantly among species and under specific conditions. In many cases, a study on allelopathy is limited to the description of the phenomenon, leaving its mode of action unknown. Hence, the urgency and the need for more in-depth studies in the field of allelopathy aim to solve the following problems: identification of responsible allelochemicals, evaluation of allelochemicals’ activity, investigation of the allelopathic consequences on soil properties and soil microbes, elucidation of the mechanism underlying allelopathy, exploration on the potential of utilizing allelochemicals as bioherbicides, and so on.
In this Research Topic, we welcome all article types that cover all aspects of allelopathy ranging from the investigation of the phenomenon to elucidation of its mechanism, especially those that focus on:
• Identification of allelochemicals using techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, HPLC, LC/MS, GC/MS, etc.
• Evaluation of allelopathic consequences on physio-chemical properties of soil
• Evaluation of allelopathic consequences on soil microorganisms
• Elucidation of the chemical, biochemical, microbiological, or molecular mechanisms of allelopathy
Allelopathy is defined as the biosynthesis and release by an organism of biologically active compounds, i.e., allelochemicals, that influence the growth and reproduction of other organisms. Allelochemicals are usually released from host organisms via volatilization, leaching, litter decomposition, and root exudation, which may impact neighboring species either through direct toxicity or indirect effects such as altering surrounding soil biota community or/and soil physio-chemical properties. In natural ecosystems, allelopathy is often considered to play important role in regulating community composition and dynamics by affecting both interspecific and intraspecific relationships. In artificial ecosystems, allelopathy has been reported to be one of the most important factors leading to continuous cropping disorder. Plants with allelopathic properties have the potential to be utilized directly in integrated weed control as cover crops, intercrops, green manure, etc. Furthermore, the discovery of active allelochemicals may lead to the development of environment-friendly herbicides which could have a substantial effect on conventional herbicide use.
Despite the fact that allelopathy is common in nature, elucidation of its mechanism can be rather complicated and challenging because it differs significantly among species and under specific conditions. In many cases, a study on allelopathy is limited to the description of the phenomenon, leaving its mode of action unknown. Hence, the urgency and the need for more in-depth studies in the field of allelopathy aim to solve the following problems: identification of responsible allelochemicals, evaluation of allelochemicals’ activity, investigation of the allelopathic consequences on soil properties and soil microbes, elucidation of the mechanism underlying allelopathy, exploration on the potential of utilizing allelochemicals as bioherbicides, and so on.
In this Research Topic, we welcome all article types that cover all aspects of allelopathy ranging from the investigation of the phenomenon to elucidation of its mechanism, especially those that focus on:
• Identification of allelochemicals using techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, HPLC, LC/MS, GC/MS, etc.
• Evaluation of allelopathic consequences on physio-chemical properties of soil
• Evaluation of allelopathic consequences on soil microorganisms
• Elucidation of the chemical, biochemical, microbiological, or molecular mechanisms of allelopathy