ALLELOPATHY: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

We have studied several research articles on allelopathy, we have assessed from those that the phenomena was supposed to be phytotoxic to other nearby species, sometimes to the soil or sometimes it may be to the plant itself. The secondary metabolites are the key components of allelopathic mechanism which are found in the form of plant extracts, leachates and other exudates. These biochemical strategies are useful for the defense of a plant, likewise important for the penetration of a plant into a community, attracting insects for pollination etc. Overall, allelopathy can be very effective tool for biological conservation as it does not only exert inhibition but it also aids up the healthy environment. These allelopathic compounds are very reactive and can be utilized positively to eliminate or to lower the rate of soil pollution, eutrophication and air pollution. These biochemicals can also contribute in the enhancement of soil structure and fertility, microbial and bacterial activities, plant’s metabolism and maintenance of ecosystem and food chain. The application of these metabolites takes importance for the upbringing of required beneficial ecological and agricultural outputs.