Exploiting allelopathy in sustainable agriculture: from concept to applied aspects

Abstract

Modern agriculture has generated multiple economics, social and environmental problems. There is an extensive effort to find ecological controls for pests and diseases, trying to preserve environment quality and to achieve a more sustainable use of natural resources. In this work, we present general features of allelopathy and its application in sustainable agriculture. The rationale basis for general understanding of the allelopathic phenomenon is presented respect to production, release, environmental persistance and mode of action of allelochemicals. Exploiting agriculture cropping systems and practices for control of pests and diseases is mainly focused on weeds. Crop breeding for enhanced allelopathic supression of weeds or alleviation of autotoxic effects is reviewed and critically analyzed. Authors conclude that agriculture strategies involving allelopathy offer consistent possibilities for total or partial replacement of synthetic biocides in the control of pests and diseases. Many different types of useful products such as bipopesticides, botanical pesticides and allelochemical derived products can arise from allelopathy studies. Nevertheless, practical knowledge of the role of allelochemicals in agroecosystems is also needed to avoid negative unexpected effects. New methods must be generated for allelopathy as a part of the biotic resources managment strategies.