Allelopathy

The allelopathy is a branch of chemical ecology. It addresses are induced, synthesis, distribution, persistence, and the effect of the interactions that produced by the dispensing of self or the decay of the released chemical compounds ( allelochemicals ) between plants of the same or different species, plants and micro-organisms or plants and fungi these substances in the recipient organism.

Allelochemicals are usually products of plant secondary metabolism and are from a few initial substances (aromatic amino acids, some others) were synthesized. Their distribution is carried out in gaseous (evaporation ), liquid ( root exudates, leaching by rain, fog, dew) or solid form ( rotten plants or plant parts ).

On the initiative of India 1994, the International Allelopathy Society ( IAS) was founded. It shall promote and disseminate research and findings on the allelopathy world.

Example

A classic example of allelopathic effect is that of the genuine walnut tree ( Juglans regia) delivered substance juglone. This comes from the leaves of the tree on leaching into the ground. This initially inactive form is there converted by soil microbes and converted into their active form. Juglone acts already at very low concentrations inhibit the germination of other plants.

Just as negative and positive effects, promoting effects in the recipient organism can be triggered.

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• Transport Information Service expert information on allelopathy

• Chemical Ecology