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History and Current Trends in the Use of Allelopathy for Weed Management

Leslie A. Weston

Department of Horticulture, 134 Plant Science Building, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853

law20@cornell.edu

Abstract

Allelopathy can be defined as an important mechanism of plant interference mediated by the addition of plant-produced secondary products to the soil rhizosphere. Allelochemicals are present in all types of plants and tissues and are released into the soil rhizosphere by a variety of mechanisms, including decomposition of residues, volatilization and root exudation. Allelochemical structures and modes of action are diverse, and may offer potential for development of future herbicides. In the past, allelopathy was described by the Romans as a process resulting in the “sickening” of the soil; in particular chickpea was described as problematic when successively cropped with other species. Other early plant scientists including De Candolle in the 1800’s first described the ability of plant roots to produce toxic exudates. More recently, research has focused on development of weed management strategies using allelopathic crop residues, mechanism of allelochemical action, and gene regulation of allelochemical production. This paper briefly describes a variety of weed and crop species that establish some form of potent allelopathic interference, either with other crops or weeds, in agricultural settings, in the managed landscape or in naturalized settings. Recent research suggests that allelopathic properties can render one species more invasive to native species and thus potentially detrimental to both agricultural and naturalized settings. In contrast, allelopathic crops offer strong potential for the development of cultivars that are more highly weed suppressive in managed settings. A new challenge that exists for future plant scientists is to generate additional information on allelochemical mechanisms of release, selectivity and persistence, mode of action and genetic regulation. Armed with this specific information, we can further protect plant biodiversity and enhance weed management strategies in a variety of ecosystems.

Media summary

This paper summarizes the history of research related to allelopathy, its utilization for weed manangement and describes potential future research areas in agroecosystems as well as natural systems.

Key Words

Allelopathy, weed management, plant interference, secondary products, genetics, plant breeding.

Introduction

The term allelopathy was first introduced by Molisch in 1937 and refers to chemical interactions among plants, including those mediated by microorganisms. This definition, although broad, is reasonable as considerable research has recently indicated the involvement of microorganisms and lower plants in the production of phytochemically-active compounds (Inderjit and Weiner 2001; Putnam 1986; Rice 1984). Allelopathy may be further defined as an important mechanism of plant interference mediated by the addition of plant –produced secondary products to the rhizosphere. Chemicals with allelopathic potential are present in nearly all plants and their respective tissues, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, seeds, bark and buds. Under the appropriate environmental conditions, these phytotoxins may be released into the environment in sufficient quantities to affect the growth of neighboring plants (Weston 1996).

Allelopathic interference mechanisms are particularly difficult, if not impossible, to separate from interference due to competition under field conditions. Plant interference can be defined as any physical or chemical mechanism that results in reduction of plant growth over time due to the presence of another plant. Competition is usually described as the process whereby plants interfere with the growth of neighboring plants by utilization or competition for growth-limiting resources, including space, light, nutrients or moisture. Both competition and allelopathy as mechanisms of plant interference have been well-documented under controlled conditions. The appropriate design of laboratory bioassays to assess allelopathic activity will continue to aid in the development of our understanding of the mechanisms underlying growth inhibition and modes of action of novel allelochemicals (Inderjit and Weston 2000).

Historical perspectives on allelopathy

For over 2000 years, allelopathy has been reported in the literature with respect to plant interference. Ancient literature has described the growth of crops which “rob the soil of nutrients”, “sicken the soil”, and even referred to roots producing toxins which suppress plant growth. The earliest recorded observations of weed and crop allelopathy were made by none other than Theophrastus (300 BC) and Pliny II (1 AD). Pliny reported that chickpea (Cicer arietinum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) destroy or burn up farmland (Rice, 1984). He also described the shade of black walnut (Juglans spp.) as heavy and believed that walnut and its residues could cause potential injury to man and anything planted in the vicinity. Pliny was apparently aware that release of chemicals by plants contributed to this soil sickness; as evidenced by his statement “The nature of some plants though not actually deadly is injurious owing to its blend of scents or of juice....”.

In the 1600’s several naturalists noted in the English literature that certain plants do not grow well in the presence of each other. The Japanese literature also shows examples of plants causing injury to others due to the production of extracts of toxic compounds with rainfall, specifically Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) (Rice 1984). In the 1800’s, agronomists started to note problems with repeated cropping of certain perennials. For example, Young (1804) discovered that clover was apt to fail in some regions of England where it is cultivated constantly due to soil sickness which accrues over time. De Candolle was one of the first to actually perform experiments examining the toxicity associated with root exudates (de Candolle 1832; Singh et al. 2001). In 1881, Stickney and Hoy observed that vegetation under black walnut was very sparse in pasture settings, and pointed out that this might be due to high mineral requirement of the tree, or the poisonous character of the moisture dripping off the tree itself. As Rice indicates, if one peruses older literature, there are many examples described by botanists, farmers and gardeners that strongly suggest allelopathic interactions among plants. It is interesting to note that many of the species demonstrated to have powerful medicinal effects on humans also have been subsequently demonstrated to have powerful allelopathic effects as well (Chevallier 1996; Rice 1984; Wink 1999).

Interest in the field of allelopathy revived again in the 20th century, with the development of suitable techniques for extraction, bioassay, and chemical isolation and identification (Willis 1997). Mc Calla et al. published a series of papers from 1948 until 1965 that described allelochemicals produced from plant residues and the importance of the interaction of microbes upon the decomposition of these residues (Putnam and Weston 1986). Two outstanding contributors to the field of allelopathy during this period also included C.H. Muller and his associates at Santa Barbara, California who published many articles on volatile inhibitors produced by plants growing in the chaparral and desert. E.L. Rice at the University of Oklahoma contributed many papers to the field and described impacts of allelochemicals on nitrifying and nitrogen fixing bacteria in the soil rhizosphere, as well as classical works documenting allelopathy in prairie type ecosystems of the central U. S. (Bell and Muller 1973; Muller 1969; Ric, 1984; Putnam and Weston 1986). Rick Willis is now finishing an exhaustive review that thoroughly documents the history and the science of allelopathy as a field of research. Some of his work has recently been published in the Allelopathy Journal (Willis 1997; Willis 2000). In the past 5 years, the number of publications in the field of allelopathy has increased exponentially as physiologists, soil scientists, weed scientists and natural products chemists continue to study this challenging area (Macias 2002).

Recent perspectives on allelopathy as means of weed suppression

During the past 30 years, the potential impacts of allelopathy on agriculture have been described and discussed in detail (Putnam 1986; Putnam and Duke 1974 and 1978; Putnam and Weston 1986; Qasem et al. 2001; Rice 1984; Singh et al. 2001; Weston 1996). Putnam and Duke (1974) first explored the possibility of utilizing allelopathic crops to suppress weed growth in agricultural sites, including the development of weed-suppressive crops and later described rotational crops, intercrops or cover crops for effective weed suppression (Putnam and Duke 1978). Recently, many investigations into the use of cover crops and their residues for weed suppression have been published; some with positive results leading to enhanced weed suppression and reduced herbicide inputs and others with mixed results (Barnes and Putnam 1983 and 1987; Burgos et al. 1999; Einhellig and Rasmussen 1989; Masiunas et al. 1995; Moyer et al. 2000; Mwaja et al. 1995; Petersen et al. 2001; Sene et al. 2001; Shilling et al. 1985; Weston 1996; Weston et al. 1989;). In particular, the cultivar and species employed, the amount of biomass generated, field conditions at the time of establishment of the cash crop, soil type and location all impact the ability of the cover crop residue to suppress weeds over time. Although the physical presence of the cover crop residue on the soil surface contributes to a weed suppressive “mulch” effect, the chemical effect of phytotoxins released from decomposing residues also impacts weed control selectively (Burgos and Talbert 2000; Nagabushana et al. 2001; Putnam 1988; Weston 1996). Certain weeds, particularly small-seeded annuals, have a tendency to be more highly suppressed in limited tillage systems with cover crop residues. As we learn more about which cultivars to utilize as cover crops or green manures, and consider time and density of planting, we can effectively and selectively manage weeds early in the subsequent growing season, following establishment of the cash crop. Transplanting vegetable crops into killed residues has been one way in which use of cover crop residues can work successfully. Another technique is to utilize a living, low-growing suppressive mulch on the soil surface to prevent erosion and suppress weeds effectively in orchards, vineyards and other perennial crops. Fine leaf fescues, and mixtures of forbs and grasses often are selected in these settings for their ability to suppress weeds and their low maintenance requirements. They are also often stress tolerant as well (Bertin et. Al. 2003; Weston 1990).

Allelopathic interactions in soil environments depend greatly on the turn over rate of allelochemicals in the soil rhizosphere and their interaction with clay, organic matter and other factors which change the physico-chemical and biotic characteristics of the soil (Blum 1995; Blum and Shafer 1998). Recent research by Blum and his laboratory have shown that soil texture, soil pH, organic C, available N are also very important in influencing uptake and of allelochemicals and their ability to persist in the presence of soil microorganisms (Blum 1995; Blum 1998). Soil moisture dynamics can also influence the phytotoxicity of allelochemicals. In recent studies by Blum, data suggested that enhanced evapotranspiration and lower soil moisture will also result in decreased plant phytotoxicity of allelochemicals in the soil solution (Blum 2002).

Unfortunately, traditional breeding methods have not generally been employed to produce highly allelopathic crops with good yield potential (Duke et al. 2002). Recent discussion of the use of genetic engineering to enhance allelopathic traits indicates that this is not a simple task due to the multigenic nature of allelochemical biosynthesis. Nonetheless, the benefits in monetary and time savings by reductions in hand labor or herbicide application could be extensive if incorporation of enhanced allelopathic or weed suppressive ability was successful in major agronomic crops (Duke et al. 2001; 2002; Scheffler et al. 2001). Genes involved in production of allelochemicals are currently being elucidated (Scheffler et al. 2001; Weston et al, 2002). Currently, research has been performed to evaluate weed suppression provided by various cultivars of cucumbers (Cucumis spp.) (Putnam and Duke 1974), winter rye (Secale cereale) (Barnes and Putnam 1987; Burgos et al. 1999; sorghum (Sorghum spp.) (Czarnota 2001; Einhellig and Rasmussen 1989; Nimbal et al. 1996a; Weston et al. 1989), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), sunflower (Helianthus annua) (Bertholdsson 2004; Rice 1984; Singh et al. 2001; Weston 1996), fine fescues (Festuca spp. Bertin et al. Weston 1990), rice (Oryza sativa) (Chou and Lin 1976; Dilday, et al. 1991; Kato-Noguchi et al. 2002; Mattice et al. 1998; Olofsdotter et al. 2002; Rimando and Duke 2003) , mustards (Brassica spp.) (Bell and Muller 1973; Petersen et al. 2001; Siemens et al. 2002), sedum ornamental groundcovers (Sedum spp.) (Weston unpublished data). In recent research reported by Bertholdsson (2002), early vigor and allelopathic characteristics were often associated with older land races of barley and wheat that are now under evaluation again for development of organically-produced cereal grains. His studies have shown that weed suppressive characteristics are less often associated with newly developed cereal cultivars associated with high yield potential. Older cultivars that establish quickly and have these allelopathic characteristics can suppress weeds effectively over the course of the growing season, which is an important trait when one produces cereals organically (Bertholdsson 2004). A reexamination of older germplasm may actually assist today’s breeders in developing crops that are inherently more weed suppressive, as the tendency towards reduced herbicide usage continues.

The majority of past allelopathic research has focused upon the detrimental effects of living plants or their residues on plant growth and crop yields. Replanting problems associated with toxicity of mulch stubble, autotoxicity of perennial crops, crop rotations and direct interference by certain plants or weeds have all been attributed to allelochemicals (Putnam and Weston 1986; Weston 1996). Examples of allelopathic interactions cited in the literature include the cases of black walnut, alfalfa, asparagus, sorghum and mustard (Putnam and Weston 1986; Rice 1984; Weston and Duke 2003; Willis 2000 ). Many of these decomposing plant residues exhibit selectivity in interference with plant growth, and environmental conditions strongly influence the activity of residues and compounds released. As a perennial crop remains in one location for an extended period of time, resulting suppression can increase over time. This is another research area that is continuing to receive attention and although complex, recommendations for rotational cropping systems and intercrops that result in reduced crop depression over time have been developed (Putnam and Weston 1986; Weston and Duke 2003).

Recent research suggests that allelopathic properties can render one species more invasive to native species and thus potentially detrimental to both agricultural and naturalized settings (Bais et al. 2003a; Bais et al. 2003b; Callaway and Aschehoug 2002; Kilronomos 2002; Ridenour and Callaway 2001). Invasive plant species threaten the balance among natural systems throughout the world by displacing native plant communities and establishing monocultures. One leading theory regarding the success of invading species is that the absence of natural enemies allows them to use all of their resources for competition. A recent theory that is now being substantiated by published findings is that allelopathy may be associated with the success of some invasive plants (Inderjit and Weston 2003; Weston and Duke 2003).

For example, Centaurea spp. are among the most economically destructive invaders in North America (Fortuna et al. 2002; Muir and Majak 1983). Recent findings from the laboratories of Vivanco and Callaway have shown that phytotoxic root exudates from C. maculosa contain both + and – catechin which have microbial and phytotoxic properties, respectively (Bais et al. 2002; Bais et al. 2003b). Natural catechin levels in soils from C. maculosa in North America were more than twice as high as those soils collected from C. maculosa infested sites in Europe. The presence of the allelochemical apparently triggers the production of a wave of reactive oxygen species which leads to changes in gene expression and ultimate death of the root system of surrounding weed species (Bais et al. 2003). Other invasive plants, including mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), a noxious weed of nursery crops and roadsides in the Northeast and Northcentral US, may also influence surrounding plants through the production of secondary products (Barney and DiTommasso 2003). Mugwort produces a mixture of phytotoxic volatiles, chemical members of the terpenoid family, which can successfully inhibit plant growth near the emitting foliage (Barney et al. 2005). Another example of a noxious invasive species producing an interesting cocktail of potential inhibitors is that of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) (Beerling, et al. 1994). This particular species establishes in large monocultures along roadsides across both Northeastern and Northwestern U.S. and throughout Great Britain. It reproduces by a vast network of rhizomes, pieces of which can be transported along streambeds and waterways. The roots of this species also produce an interesting combination of antibacterial, antifungal and phytotoxic compounds (Kimura et al. 1983), including resveratrol, piceid, anthroquinones and their glucosides, as well as + catechin and a methyljuglone, both reported as potent allelochemics causing plant growth inhibition and death (Bais et al. 2003; Willis 1998). A third example is that of garlic mustard (Alliara petiolata), a noxious weed invading understory areas in North America. This particular mustard produces a number of isothiocyanates that inhibit seed germination and plant growth and likely contribute to the establishment of dense monocultures in these understory sites of infestation (Vaughn and Berhow 1999).

The diversity of secondary products produced by plants is vast and chemicals range in structure from simple hydrocarbons to complex polycyclic aromatics. Nearly every class of secondary products or metabolites has been implicated in allelopathic interference (Rice 1984; Putnam 1988, Quasem and Foy 2001). Much time and effort has been spent on identifying novel secondary products isolated from higher plants, as phytochemicals with biological activity have had great utility as pharmaceuticals and pest-management products (Duke 1986; Duke et al. 2002). However, considering the large number of plant-derived products, we have probably discovered very few of their potential uses in agriculture and medicine (Duke et al. 2000). Certain allelochemicals may also possess novel modes of action, and interest exists in utilizing them as herbicide templates, especially for those natural products which act as inhibitors of plant specific processes, such as photosynthesis or chlorophyll synthesis (Duke 1986; Gonzalez et al. 1997; Hejl et al. 1993; Nimbal et al. 1996). Furthermore, as the rhizosphere and plant root ecology remain as areas that are relatively understudied in terms of allelopathic interactions, more attention to the novel allelochemicals contained in root exudates and their interactions with soil microorganisms, weed seeds and propagules, and macrobiota would be helpful in advancing our understanding of plant plant interactions. Recent articles published by Calloway and Aschehoug, Kilronomos, and Inderjit and Weston, as well as several symposia presented at 2003 meetings of the Ecological Society of America, have suggested an important role of root exudates in the soil rhizosphere. Root exudates may have dramatic impacts on soil rhizosphere ecology, including enhancement of certain soil microbial populations and dramatic reductions in others, leading to a shift in nutrient availability and uptake by plants within the ecosystem (Kilronomos 2002; Inderjit and Weston 2003; Nair et al. 1990).

Conclusion

Given the large and ever-increasing body of literature surrounding the field of allelopathy and weed and crop interference, I have tried to present an overview of the history and recent developments in the field of allelopathy. Past studies have often focused solely on extraction of plant material for evaluation of interesting secondary products that may or may not have ecological relevance. Today, we find that researchers are increasingly concerned with ecological and physiological relevance of these interactions and the mode of action of chemicals involved, despite their relative complexity. A new challenge that exists for future plant scientists is to generate additional information on allelochemical mechanisms of release, selectivity and persistence in the rhizosphere, mode of action and genetic regulation. In this manner, we can further protect plant biodiversity and enhance weed management strategies in a variety of ecosystems.

Acknowledgements

This paper was recently published in the July 2005 issue of HortTechnology 13: 529-534, and is reprinted here with permission of the American Society for Horticulture Science.

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