Allelopathy as protectant, defence and growth stimulants in legume cereal mixed culture systems

Abstract

In Africa, yield loss and low income to farmers is exacerbated by pests and notorious weeds manifested in different cropping systems. The fact that crop species may be allelopathic to common weeds, pathogens and insect pests has attracted considerable attention as an alternative strategy for weed and pest management in small-scale and low-input mixed culture systems. The use of crop plants with greater allelochemical production could limit the need for agrochemicals and conventional herbicides for plant protection and defence. As a result, plant growth and grain yield will be increased, leading to greater profit margins for farmers. This review discusses the possible role(s) of allelopathy as a key player in protection, defence and growth stimulants in legume cereal intercropping systems.

Allelopathic Effects of <i>Argemone mexicana</i> to Growth of Native Plant Species

“…However, allelochemicals from A. Mexicana may affect germination, growth and chlorophyll content of wild plant species. Therefore, as proposed by Makoi and Ndakidemi [79], there is a need to explore the allelopathic potential present in diverse plant species growing in mixture so as to get full benefits of allelopathy in the ecosystem.…”

Cold stress in soybean (Glycine max L.) roots: Exogenous gallic acid promotes water status and increases antioxidant activities

“…To eliminate the harmful effects produced by stress conditions and improve crop yields, the application of allelochemicals is promising as an effective agronomic technique (Makoi & Ndakidemi 2012). Among allelochemicals, phenolic compounds can play a role in germination, growth and development of plants at the cellular and molecular levels (Maqbool et al 2013).…”

Molecules Best Paper Award 2015

“…Further, growing crops in mixtures improves resource (land, water, nutrients, and light) use efficiency. In addition to these benefits, intercropping can be used to suppress weeds for environment friendly and economical weed control (Makoi and Ndakidemi, 2012). In particular, crops with allelopathic potential when intercropped with other crop plants help to reduce weed intensity, and hence improve crop productivity.…”