Allelopathy is a phenomenon that leads an organism to produce certain biochemical compounds that affect the life of other organisms.
Allelopathy is a term that is not part of the dictionary prepared by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). Its use, in any case, is frequent in the field of biology, where it is the phenomenon that leads an organism to generate certain biochemical compounds that have an influence on the life and development of other organisms.
Before moving forward, it is important to know the etymological origin of the concept. In this case, we can determine that it is the result of the sum of two words that come from Greek:
- Allelon , which can be translated as “one another.”
- Pathos , which is synonymous with “suffering” .
History of allelopathy
Although we may think that the notion of allelopathy is something recent in our society, biology experts are clear that the idea was already present in ancient times.
In this way, it is known that Pliny explained how the shade of the walnut tree exerted changes on the barley or chickpea crops. For example.
How it works
Allelopathy can be negative (when the consequences it generates are harmful to the recipient) or positive (if its effects provide advantages or benefits) according to what is caused by these biochemical compounds that are called chemical alleles .
The links between plants are usually regulated through allelopathy. One plant may make a chemical inhibitor while another may make a stimulant. There are plants, on the other hand, that produce chemical alleles that act as insect repellents. In a tuber crop, in this way, this type of plants can be included to keep pests away. Thus, the plant with the chemical allele protects the tubers.
Knowing how allelopathy works can therefore help preserve crops . Due to the allelopathic characteristics of each species, plants can be used to stimulate the growth of others or to act as pesticides or herbicides. The key is to analyze the chemical properties of plants to promote positive interactions and to minimize or eliminate possible negative links.
Allelopathy can be positive or negative.
Other considerations about allelopathy
In addition to everything indicated, we cannot ignore another series of relevant aspects regarding allelopathy:
- To know it in depth, we must take into account the modes of release that play a fundamental role in it. We are referring to leaching, volatilization, decomposition of plant residues and root exudates.
- When analyzing an allelopathic process, it is essential to take into account its two phases: the biological-ecological phase and the chemical-analytical phase.
- It is important to note that allelopathic agents can function as herbicides.
- It should be noted that the organic management of crops through allelopathy is considered an ecological alternative to agrochemicals .