Crop cultivars with allelopathic capability

Abstract

Allelopathy has potential in integrated weed management. Crop plants have the capability to produce and exude allelochemicals into their surroundings to suppress the growth of weeds in their vicinity. Selection for superior genotypes with allelopathic potential has been carried out in several field crops, and evidence has accumulated that crop cultivars differ significantly in their ability to inhibit the growth of certain weed species. To date, progress has been made in understanding the genetics of crop allelopathic activity, and successful genetic manipulation of this trait has also been demonstrated. However, much more research needs to be carried out in order to have a thorough understanding of the genetic control of allelopathic activity. Several genes might be involved in regulating the production and exudation of allelochemicals. Concerted efforts using advances in plant biotechnology will help to unveil the genetics of this trait. Once the allelopathic genes have been located, a breeding programme could be initiated to transfer the genes into modern cultivars to enhance their allelopathic activity for weed suppression, thereby reducing over‐reliance on herbicides.

Temporal expression of the sor1 gene and inhibitory effects of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench on three weed species

“…The results of the present study confirm the findings of Wu et al (1999), who showed that there is genetic variability in sorgoleone production among Sorghum accessions at the intraspecific and interspecific levels. At the molecular level, Yang et al (2004) demonstrated such variability from the amino acid sequence of the SOR1 protein among species of tomato, potato, tobacco, sesame, beans, rice, and sorghum.…”

Comparison of allelopathic effects of some brassica species in two growth stages on germination and growth of sunflower

“…Potential of allelopathic compounds is often verified by testing their influence on seed germinability and seed viability. Inhibition or delay of seed germination and radicle growth by allelochemicals from many species for example sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), wheat (Triticum aestivum), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and rye (Secale cereale) were reported and reviewed (Wu et al 1999, Inderjit and Callaway 2003, Inderjit and Duke 2003, Weston and Duke 2003.…”

Potencial alelopático de extratos aquosos foliares de aveia sobre azevém e amendoim-bravo

“…Atualmente, cinquenta e uma cultivares de aveia branca e nove cultivares de aveia preta estão registradas para cultivo no Brasil. Como o efeito alelopático depende do genótipo utilizado (Wu et al, 1999), esse fato oferece oportunidade para a identificação de cultivares com maior potencial alelopático, que poderão ser diretamente aproveitadas no manejo de plantas daninhas.…”