Emerging Trends in Allelopathy: A Genetic Perspective for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Over the past decades, a growing interest in allelopathy has been recorded due to the effective use of allelochemicals as growth regulators, bioherbicides, insecticides, and antimicrobial crop protection in the sustainable agriculture field. So far, the genetic aspects of the allelopathic effects have been poorly studied, and the identification of allelopathic genes and/or genomic regions (QTLs) has become a challenge to implement specific breeding programs. Here, we review the recent genetic and genome-based research findings in allelopathy, with a particular emphasis on weed control, which is one of the major crop yield-limiting factors. We discuss the key plant–microorganism interactions, as well as including the cross-kingdom RNAi phenomenon and the involvement of microRNAs in allelopathy. Through this review, we wanted to lay the foundation for advancing knowledge in allelopathy and uncover the areas where research is needed.

Effects of Piper betle L. Extract and Allelochemical Eugenol on Rice and Associated Weeds Germination and Seedling Growth

“…According to our findings, BE demonstrated allelopathic activity on weeds at early stages of growth, suggesting that it might be a potent weed control agent in the rice fields. However, to develop BE until it can actually be successfully applied in the field, more issues should be addressed [ 13 ]. For instance, the co-planting experiment between rice and weeds should be considered under the BE application in the field in order to investigate the effect of the extract.…”

“…In order to solve the problem, a new and effective research-evidenced natural herbicide with known mode(s) of action is required. A natural herbicide is a kind of biocontrol for weed management in a cropping system [ 13 , 14 ]. Natural herbicides are considered to be safe for humans and the environment by modulating soil microorganisms, in addition to being readily biodegradable [ 15 ].…”

Untitled

“…Allelopathy is a natural phenomenon that has a significant impact on the functioning of biocenoses. The phenomenon of allelopathy includes various types of chemical interactions between organisms and is carried out by the formation and release of metabolites with allelopathic activity into the environment (Polyak et al, 2019;Aci et al, 2022;Hussain et al, 2021). The term "allelopathy" is most often used to characterize the relationships between plants, but it is also widely used to describe the relationships between microorganisms and between plants and microorganisms (Kucheryavay, 2020; Zorikova et al, 2017).…”

Rice Phytoalexins: Half a Century of Amazing Discoveries; Part I: Distribution, Biosynthesis, Chemical Synthesis, and Biological Activities

“…Some of rice’s secondary metabolites, such as momilactone B, exhibit a significant inhibitory activity on seed germination and plant development in addition to playing a key role in plant-pathogen interactions (phytoalexins) and are, therefore, presumed to be involved in plant–plant antagonistic interactions (allelochemicals). The allelopathic activity of natural compounds is attracting growing interest in the research community, stemming from their potential to develop next-generation bioherbicides for use in sustainable weed management [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”