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.:: Lao Knowledge Base on Conservation Agriculture ::.

Allelopathy

Maria Olofsdotter and Azim U. Mallik, 2001. Agronomy Journal 93: 1-2
 

The history of allelopathy research is mired in speculation, faulty experimentation, and unreasonable conclusions. The discipline has gone through many ups and downs in generating interest among scientists in soil science, agriculture, ecology, and forestry. However, real progress in allelopathy began in the 1960s with the work of Muller et al. (1964), and subsequently with the publication of the book Allelopathy by E.L. Rice in 1974. Substantial progress has since been made in understanding allelopathy in an overall ecological perspective as well as in how we can manipulate allelopathic interactions to our advantage in agricultural practices (e.g., weed control). It is difficult to demonstrate allelopathy in nature due to the complex interrelations between the different, often genetically determined, characteristics of plant interference. Proving allelopathy also requires a cause and-effect relationship between identifiable exuded chemical compounds and their effects on plants. Methodological concerns have been the major obstacle in the study of allelopathy. However, this is becoming easier to overcome with our increasing understanding of the chemical processes occurring in both natural and managed ecosystems and with our ability to identify allelochemicals. Progress in chemistry, biotechnology, and of ecological processes help explain the rapid progress digital technology as well as an increased understanding in allelopathy research over the last four decades.

Traditionally, farmers have realized the benefits of modifying the rhizosphere ecology of crops through crop rotation, mulching, burning, application of green manure, etc. Allelopathy research today is trying to unravel the mechanisms underlying the effects of these practices. The real benefits of allelopathic research can be realized only if our knowledge can be used to improve the sustainability of our production systems in agriculture and forestry and the conservation of natural and seminatural vegetation. In this regard, we see progress in allelopathy research on two fronts: one in applied research on the cultural techniques of cropping systems, silviculture, and nature conservation and the second in crop improvement. 

 

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