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Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Weed Science and Weed Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 22248

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carolina G. Puig

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Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
Interests: allelopathy; allelochemicals; phenolic compounds; VOCs; bioherbicides; weed control; IWM; plant ecophysiology; organic agriculture; soil; agronomy

Dr. Nuria Pedrol

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is an urgent appeal from the European Commission for a green transition in food systems (Farm to Fork strategy), whereby environmentally friendly inputs are required for more sustainable agricultural production. It is our task to search for new tools that contribute to these environmental objectives by replacing, at least partially, the phytosanitary products derived from chemical synthesis currently used.

An eco-friendly strategy for this global challenge could be to take advantage of allelopathy: the ability of plants, microbes, fungi, algae and other organisms to produce and release a cocktail of compounds capable of positively or negatively influencing biotic and abiotic components that make up the agrosystem. Allelopathy has been recognized as an effective and ecological method for the control of weeds that plague our cropping systems.

Therefore, the main purpose of this Special Issue is to bring together a collection of studies that update the research progress on the use of allelopathy for weed control in agricultural production, as well as to compile the advances in the physiological and ecological mechanisms of allelopathy in agriculture. We welcome original research papers, reviews, and communications mainly focused on, but not limited to, the following subjects:

The phytotoxicity of plant extracts.
Natural compounds as bioherbicides and their interactions.
The use of allelopathic plants as cover crops, green manures, for intercropping, or in crop rotation.
Fate of allelochemicals in the agricultural soil.
Breeding of allelopathic crops and cultivars.

Dr. Carolina G. Puig
Dr. Nuria Pedrol
Guest Editors

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Keywords

allelopathy
allelochemicals as bioherbicides
allelopathic cover crops
allelopathic green manures
allelopathic mulches
integrated weed management
weed control

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mentha suaveolens as Allelopathic Biomass for Weed Control: Phenolics, Organic Acids, and Volatile Organic Compounds Profiles

by Carolina G. Puig, Lorena Álvarez-Iglesias, María Pardo-Muras, Paula B. Andrade and Nuria Pedrol

Agronomy 2023, 13(11), 2793; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13112793 - 10 Nov 2023

Viewed by 905

Abstract

The need to find alternatives to synthetic herbicides has led to the evaluation of the use of allelopathic biomass from different agroforestry species as soil amendments for weed control. Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. (apple mint) could be a suitable candidate as an ecoherbicide due to its availability in the agroecosystem, well-studied biological activities, and known chemical composition. For the present study, two greenhouse pot experiments were conducted by incorporating flowering aerial biomass of apple mint into the soil. In the first one, the potential phytotoxic effects of M. suaveolens at doses 1 and 2% were evaluated on the germination and growth of maize and its accompanying weeds. In a second temporary assay, the duration of phytotoxicity and the effects of apple mint (0.5% dose) on the physicochemical properties of the soil were elucidated. The soluble (phenolics and organic acids) and volatile compounds potentially releasable from the allelopathic biomass were identified. The apple mint exerted adverse effects on the germination and growth of dicotyledonous weed species, especially Amaranthus retroflexus and Solanum nigrum, with almost 100% inhibition, as well as on the growth of monocotyledonous weeds such as Digitaria sanguinalis, with a reduction of more than 95%. On the contrary, maize yield and soil properties pH, CECe, organic matter, and exchangeable cations were improved by the ecoherbicide. Chemical analyses of apple mint aerial biomass revealed the presence of 7 phenolic compounds, 9 organic acids, and 32 volatiles. For this study, the effects of incorporating M. suaveolens aerial biomass into soil were evaluated for the first time, and it was demonstrated that it has potential as an eco-friendly plant-based tool for Integrated Weed Management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytotoxic and Insecticidal Activity of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Extracts against Plodia interpunctella Hübner—A Potential Sunflower Grain Protectant

by Dejan Prvulović, Sonja Gvozdenac, Dragana Latković, Marijana Peić Tukuljac, Vladimir Sikora, Biljana Kiprovski, Aleksandra Mišan, Antonios Chrysargyris, Nikolaos Tzortzakis and Jelena Ovuka

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2456; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102456 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1199

Abstract

The biological activity (contact and contact-digestive toxicity, repellent and fumigant effects, effect on the insect’s development and life cycle parameters) of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) ethanolic extract was assessed against Plodia interpunctella, the most destructive storage pest of sunflower. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the phytotoxic activity of the extract in order to assess its potential as a sunflower grain protectant. Phytotoxicity assessment was based on the effect on germination energy and seed germination and the activity of antioxidative enzymes, enzymes of the polyphenolic metabolism, and the intensity of lipid peroxidation in sunflower seedlings. The antioxidant capacity and content of phenolic compounds (total phenolics and total tannins) were also measured in seedlings. In the experiments, 70% ethanolic extract of dried flowering buds of industrial hemp (variety Helena) was applied at 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% concentrations directly on sunflower seeds. Ethanol solution (70%) was the control. The hemp extract (1% and 2%) revealed medium repellence for P. interpunctella larvae (L_3–4) while at 2% concentration it caused 42.5% larval mortality after 72 h. Moreover, the insect’s development was prolonged and fecundity significantly reduced in hemp treatments. The extract did not exhibit fumigant activity. Germination energy and germination of sunflower seeds were stimulated in treatment with 2% hemp extract, while most biochemical parameters of the seedlings were not significantly affected by the hemp extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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14 pages, 3011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Benzoxazinones Sulphur Analogs and Their Application as Bioherbicides: 1.4-Benzothiazinones and 1.4-Benzoxathianones for Weed Control

by Francisco J. R. Mejías, Stefan Schwaiger, Rosa M. Varela, José M. G. Molinillo, Nuria Chinchilla and Francisco A. Macías

Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071694 - 25 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 839

Abstract

Eight different compounds inspired by benzoxazinones were synthesized in one simple step with easy purification. These compounds have a sulfur atom instead of the oxygen atom present in benzoxazinones. Furthermore, a new derivative obtained by a Rutkauskas–Beresnevicius reaction was synthesized. These compounds were evaluated in vitro to assess their phytotoxicity in plant cells by the elongation of wheat coleoptiles. The novel compounds showed higher inhibition than benzoxazinones and the positive control, especially at higher concentrations (1000 and 300 μM). Benzoxazinones have been described as histidine deacetylase inhibitors and we therefore evaluated the effect of 1.4-benzothiazinones and 1.4-benzoxathianones against HDA6, one of the most important enzymes of the family, in silico by molecular docking and molecular dynamics. In vitro studies against Echinochloa crus-galli, Lolium rigidum and Portulaca oleracea weeds gave interesting results against the growth of the roots for both monocots and dicots. Specifically, the inhibition was more pronounced against dicots, as in the case of common purslane, whose inhibition at a concentration of 1000 μM was similar to that of the classical herbicide employed as a positive control. Higher inhibition was obtained when an aliphatic group was present in the C2 position of 1.4-benzothiazinones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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11 pages, 619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Herbicidal Activity of Smoke Water

by Raphael Mota Garrido, Franck Emmanuel Dayan and Rosana Marta Kolb

Agronomy 2023, 13(4), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13040975 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1389

Abstract

Weeds cause more crop yield loss and increase farmers’ production costs more than any other agricultural pest worldwide. Natural extracts can be an important alternative to synthetic herbicides, or they can be one of the resources from which to discover new pesticide leads. The phytotoxic potential of smoke water was evaluated regarding germination and initial growth, prospecting for its possible herbicidal activity in weeds. Herbicidal activity was evaluated through germination, initial growth, and seedling vigor index bioassays in the laboratory and emergency with initial development bioassays in a greenhouse with smoke water solutions at 2.5, 5, 10 and 20% v/v. Experiments with two treatments were analyzed using T-tests for the parametric data and the Mann–Whitney test for the non-parametric data (p < 0.05). Experiments with three treatments or more were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA test followed by a Tukey test for the parametric data and a Kruskal–Wallis test followed by a Dunn test for the non-parametric data (p < 0.05). Linear regression was used to analyze data from the time–injury curve. The greatest effect on germination suppression (98%) was achieved when the Amaranthus viridis seeds were germinated in the laboratory with a 10% smoke water solution. Germination of Raphanus raphanistrum and Digitaria insularis was reduced by 93 and 75%, respectively, at this concentration. In greenhouse experiments, emergence of A. viridis was inhibited 81% by 20% smoke water. In laboratory initial growth experiments, 5% smoke water had the greatest inhibitory effect (94%) on A. viridis. R. raphanistrum initial growth reduction was 82%, Urochloa decumbens was 80%, D. insularis was 77% and Emilia fosbergii was 70% in the same conditions. In greenhouse development experiments, 70% of the A. viridis plants were killed by 5% smoke water treatment. These plants had 88% injury after treatment with 5% smoke water. Therefore, these findings suggest that smoke water solutions have potential as an herbicide, inhibiting the germination and initial growth of monocotyledonous and eudicotyledonous weeds. However, field tests are needed to confirm the potential of smoke water as an herbicide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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19 pages, 3642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelopathic Effects of the Invasive Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. on Native Plants: Perspectives toward Agrosystems

by Shazia Bibi, Amina Bibi, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti and Mohammed H. Abu-Dieyeh

Agronomy 2023, 13(2), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020590 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2360

Abstract

Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Is highly recognized for its invasive character and its detrimental effects on different plant species across the world. In this study, a field survey was performed to assess the impact of P. juliflora on the surrounding native plants, followed by the effect of different concentrations of its aqueous leaf extract on seed germination and seedling growth of selected Qatari flora. Our field observations indicated a high prevalence of new recruitments of P. juliflora than other native-associated plants in the study site. Germination percentage and/or seed radicle length of the test species: Acacia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne, Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce, Sueda aegyptica (Hasselq.) Aellen, Halopeplis perfoliata (Forssk.) Bunge ex Schweinf. & Asch, and P. juliflora were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced by the extracts at different concentration levels. Moreover, the germination rate of A. tortilis was not affected; however, the seed germination of P. cineraria was significantly affected at concentrations of 6 and 8 mg mL⁻¹. The seed radicle lengths at 2 mg mL⁻¹ were significantly reduced for both plant species. The seed germination and radicle length of S. aegyptica and H. perfoliata were significantly decreased at 2 mg mL⁻¹ of extract of P. juliflora. Furthermore, the height and biomass of the seedlings of Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. ex Thwaites, Caroxylon imbricatum (Forssk.), and Tetraena qatarensis (Hadidi) Beier & Thulin were significantly reduced by the aqueous extracts at 6 and 8 mg mL⁻¹. The aqueous extract reduced the seed germination and seedling growth at 6 and 8 mg mL⁻¹, indicating an autotoxic effect. Such allelopathic behavior of P. juliflora designates the potential investigation of using its allelochemicals as naturally based herbicides in agrosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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13 pages, 1383 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Synthesis of Aminophenoxazinones and Evaluation of Their Phytotoxicity in the Search for New Natural Herbicides

by Cristina Díaz-Franco, Carlos Rial, José M. G. Molinillo, Rosa M. Varela and Francisco A. Macías

Agronomy 2023, 13(2), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020568 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3400

Abstract

Natural products have been postulated as an alternative to the use of synthetic herbicides in pest control. The latter compounds have caused numerous problems and these include the appearance of resistance to such herbicides. Aminophenoxazinones are natural products that have shown multiple biological activities, such as pharmacological or phytotoxic effects. In the case of phytotoxicity, the mode of action of aminophenoxazinones has not been widely exploited in agriculture and resistant weeds have not been reported to date. This fact makes aminophenoxazinones promising candidates in the development of herbicides. In the study reported here, seven aminophenoxazinone derivatives have been synthesized and their phytotoxicity has been evaluated on wheat coleoptiles and two important agricultural weeds (Lolium rigidum and Portulaca oleracea). Several derivatives have shown phytotoxic activity, which is similar to the positive control pendimethalin, and even higher in some cases at the highest concentrations tested. The most affected parameter in weeds was root length and the most susceptible weed was P. oleracea. Compound 2, in which nitrogen atoms are present in the heterocycles, was the most active and this was followed by compound 1. Modifications at C-8 led to a reduced activity, with the exception of the nitro compound on the root length of P. oleracea. However, the phytotoxicity also increased on introducing an iodo-substituent at C-4. The results highlight aminophenoxazinones as promising candidates in the development of natural herbicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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Review

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37 pages, 1123 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomass from Allelopathic Agroforestry and Invasive Plant Species as Soil Amendments for Weed Control—A Review

by Antía Valiño, María Pardo-Muras, Carolina G. Puig, J. Eugenio López-Periago and Nuria Pedrol

Agronomy 2023, 13(12), 2880; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122880 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Effective weed management faces increasing legislative restrictions for the use of herbicides due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. In addition, the linear increase in resistant weeds threatens to render authorized herbicides useless. In a post-herbicide era, under the IWM strategy, allelopathy can play a relevant role since many plants can produce a variety of allelochemicals with different structures and modes of action, capable of inhibiting the germination and growth of different weed species. Inspired by green manuring with cover crops, the use of allelopathic biomass from weeds, invasive species, residues of forestry plantations, and other abundant wild plants has some advantages over green manures grown in situ or other alternatives such as applying plant extracts or essential oils. Beyond the ecosystem services provided by green manures, the potential use of allelopathic biomass offers extra opportunities for the science and practice of holistically integrated weed management because (i) the investment of resources and time for producing cover crops would be alleviated, and (ii), new use of agroforestry residues and a sink for harmful weed biomass is provided. In this review, we compile the current knowledge of those allelopathic species whose biomass, used as soil amendment, effectively controlled weeds. In addition, the complex allelopathic processes underlying the effectiveness of cover crops and allelopathic biomass used as green manures for weed control are revisited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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22 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plant Allelopathy in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Factors

by Zixiang Shan, Shixing Zhou, Asma Shah, Yasir Arafat, Syed Arif Hussain Rizvi and Hua Shao

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2358; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092358 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

The allelopathy definition accepted by the International Allelopathy Society is any process or phenomenon via which organisms such as plants, microorganism, viruses, and fungi release specific metabolites, known as allelochemicals, into the environment that affect the growth and development of other surrounding plants, resulting in mutual inhibition or promotion of the organisms. Allelopathy in donor plants is either self-induced or induced by specific external biotic and abiotic factors. The external factors may determine the types and quantities of allelochemicals released into the environment by a donor plants. Biotic factors inducing allelopathy include plant competition, herbivory by animals and insects, and soil-borne pathogens. For example, competing plants produce allelochemicals in response to competing weeds. Plants may emit signaling chemicals from their roots to induce the production of protective metabolites against organisms, herbivores, or competitors. Additionally, herbivory is a selection pressure that triggers defensive measures in plants, such as the synthesis of allelochemicals in response to injury. Moreover, some leaves release volatile substances that help the plant to deter or attract herbivores or pests that attack leaves. Likewise, root compounds may be produced in response to soil-borne pathogens. Furthermore, some abiotic factors, including light, temperature, drought, CO₂, and nutrient deficiency, can also induce plants to release allelochemicals. Therefore, it is pertinent to understand this natural phenomenon in plants and how external factors lead plants to exert allelopathy to compete, defend themselves, and survive in a challenging environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 2452 KiB

Open AccessReview

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz as a Promising Cover Crop Species with Allelopathic Potential

by Martina Ghidoli, Michele Pesenti, Federico Colombo, Fabio Francesco Nocito, Roberto Pilu and Fabrizio Araniti

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2187; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082187 - 21 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1925

Abstract

The ability of plants to release chemicals that affect the growth of other plants offers potential benefits for weed management and sustainable agriculture. This review explores the use of Camelina sativa as a promising cover crop with weed control potential. Camelina sativa, known for its high oil content and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, exhibits allelopathic potential by releasing chemical compounds that inhibit weed growth. The crop’s vigorous growth and canopy architecture contribute to effective weed suppression, reducing the prevalence and spread of associated pathogens. Furthermore, the chemical compounds released by camelina through the solubilization of compounds from leaves by rain, root exudation, or deriving from microbial-mediated decay of camelina’s tissues interfere with the growth of neighbouring plants, indicating allelopathic interactions. The isolation and identification of benzylamine and glucosinolates as allelochemicals in camelina highlight their role in plant–plant interactions. However, the studies carried out on this species are outdated, and it cannot be excluded that other chemicals deriving from the breakdown of the glucosinolates or belonging to other classes of specialized metabolites can be involved in its allelopathic potential. Camelina sativa also demonstrates disease suppression capabilities, with glucosinolates exhibiting fungicidal, nematocidal, and bactericidal activities. Additionally, camelina cover crops have been found to reduce root diseases and enhance growth and yields in corn and soybeans. This review sheds light on the allelopathic and agronomic benefits of Camelina sativa, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable and integrated pest management strategy in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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21 pages, 769 KiB

Open AccessReview

Allelopathic Potential of Tropical Plants—A Review

by Mst. Motmainna, Abdul Shukor Juraimi, Muhammad Saiful Ahmad-Hamdani, Mahmudul Hasan, Sabina Yeasmin, Md. Parvez Anwar and A. K. M. Mominul Islam

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082063 - 04 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3557

Abstract

The need to meet food demand becomes more urgent as it is forecasted to increase by 50% over the next century. Thus, agronomists promote sensible tools and approaches to eradicate factors that hamper crop production, mainly weeds. The constant use of chemical herbicides to control weeds leads to an increased risk of herbicide-resistant weed populations, environmental pollution, unsafe agricultural products, and negative effects on human health. These problems have caused an interest among researchers to replace synthetic herbicides with alternatives. The purpose of this review was to present the current knowledge base on allelopathic tropical plants and their potential for use in the development of natural product-based, environmentally friendly herbicides for sustainable agriculture, and to stimulate future discussion on this topic. The defence mechanisms of tropical plants have received particular attention because of their potential weed control ability as a natural pesticide that can prevent the overuse of synthetic pesticides. The ancient knowledge of the toxic properties of various tropical plants gives us a basis for creating a novel pest control approach. The synthesis of biopesticides based on allelochemicals opens up the possibility of utilizing natural compounds in crop protection and demonstrates the ability to deal with evolved pesticide resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture)

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