Allelopathy in agriculture: A natural ally for sustainable crops
Allelopathy is a natural phenomenon by which plants release into the environment chemical compounds that can affect the growth, survival and reproduction of other plants, these compounds, known as allelochemicals, can have both positive and negative effects. In agriculture, allelopathy can be used as a tool to improve the productivity and sustainability of crops, since allelochemicals with positive effects can be used to control weeds, pests and diseases.
In that sense, it can be said that allelopathy is the relationship between related plants and plants that reject, using their pheromones to avoid the attack of the various pests and diseases to which they may be susceptible. Allelopathic substances are formed in certain plant tissues as a defense system, these substances called allelo-chemicals according to Duran (2009), are molecular compounds that act as anti-food, toxic, altering signals of physiology and/ or sexual or population behavior of insects.
For the aforementioned, it is important to know about plants because, some plants secrete toxic substances, which do not allow them to be cultivated in association with other crops, such as, for example, some texts and articles mention the cultivation of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) whose roots are toxic, however, these same substances have the ability to control fleas and slugs when used in the form of tea, it is also said that it can ward off beetles in the grains that are stored.
Benefits of allelopathy in crops:
- Weed control: The allelochemicals in some plants can inhibit the growth of weeds, reducing the need to use chemical herbicides.
- Pest and disease control: Some allelochemicals can repel or kill insects and pathogens, which can help protect crops from pests and diseases.
- Improved soil fertility: Residues from some allelopathic plants can improve soil structure and increase the availability of nutrients for crops.
- Reduction of soil erosion: Allelopathic plant covers can help protect the soil from erosion, which is especially important in areas with steep slopes.
In this same vein, it can be said that the allelopathic effect of a plant on another organism is not total for better or for worse, but is governed by manifestations of a greater or lesser degree, this type of substances can be used as an organic product for pest control, this potential of natural products that can be used for their particular biological properties as herbicide (weed control), insecticide (pest insect control) antibiotic, inhibitors or biostimulant and are an inexhaustible source in nature if we know how to identify the plants that produce it.
These substances generated by plants can inhibit or stimulate the growth processes of neighboring plants, up to the inhibition of seed germination or they can prevent the action of insects and leaf-consuming animals, as well as the harmful effects of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Products that can be made with these substances would have the advantage of being biodegradable.
Examples of allelopathic plants:
- Sorghum: Sorghum releases a chemical compound called sorgoleon that can inhibit the growth of some weeds.
- Clover: Clover releases a chemical compound called isoflavone that can repel some insects.
- Calendula: Calendula releases a chemical compound called thiophene that can kill some pathogenic fungi.
| final considerations |
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Dear readers there is a great diversity of research and currently, research is still being carried out to identify and characterize new allelochemicals with potential for use in agriculture. Methods for efficiently applying allelochemicals in crop fields are also being developed. Allelopathy is a promising tool for sustainable agriculture. By using allelochemicals naturally, farmers can reduce their dependence on synthetic chemicals and improve the health and productivity of their crops.
| Bibliographic references |
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- Duran, F. (2009). Soil studies management and conservation of agricultural soil. Latin Group. Bogota, Colombia.
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