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Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture

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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 34616

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Dr. Margot Schulz

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Institut für Molekulare Physiologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen (IMBIO), Universität Bonn, Karlrobert Kreiten Str. 13, D - 53115 Bonn, Germany
Interests: secondary metabolites; biochemistry; allelopathy; allelochemicals; biodegradation; detoxification; chemical plant microbe interaction; ecological chemistry
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Dr. Vincenzo Tabaglio

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Department of Sustainable Crop Productions, Section Agronomy and Plant Biotechnologies, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense, 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
Interests: no-till; soil quality; soil organic matter; soil phosphorus; soil aggregate stability; soil fertility; soil biology; soil C and N dynamics; subsurface drip irrigation; agriculture sustainable intensification; allelopathic cover crops; alternative weed control; organic farming; developing countries; quinoa cultivation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

Allelopathy is defined as an inhibitory or beneficial chemical interference between plants, plants and microorganisms and between microorganisms. Functional molecules, named allelochemicals, belong to diverse chemical classes of plant and microbial secondary metabolites. In a holistic view it is increasingly recognized that both, plant and microbial secondary compounds contribute to allelopathy. Moreover, plants and microorganisms have functions in detoxification and removal of harmful molecules or potentiate their toxicity by compound modulation, thus ameliorating or reducing/eliminating allelopathic success. Allelochemicals must be released into the environment, a prerequisite for uptake by another plant or to get in contact with microorganisms. Here, several mechanisms are possible, active and passive ones, encompassing the release of bound allelochemicals by microbial activities from decaying plant material. Adsorbed at roots surfaces, allelochemicals can influence root colonizing microorganisms, their interaction with the host plant and the metabolism, growth and development of the host/ target plant. While it is long known that allelopathy is a strategy of plants to prevail against other plants, chemical interference between plants and microorganisms, and between plant and soil colonizing microorganisms are more recently investigated. These interactions are of crucial importance for the use of allelopathy for weed control in agriculture, in particular as Green Technologies will be favored in future culture systems. They will also launch a discussion about breeding of novel crop cultivars with a higher allelopathic potential or of those with higher levels of tolerance towards allelopathic compounds. Here, co-evolutionary aspects have to be considered, since many weeds have already evolved strategies to cope with certain allelochemicals, sometimes supported by microorganisms, often acting in concert for complete allelochemical degradation. Allelochemicals can severely influence the microbial diversity, being an indirect tool to suppress plants by manipulating associated microbial communities/ microbiome compositions and species richness. This Special Issue will cover recent insights in plant and plant-microbe allelopathic interactions under laboratory and field conditions, in agricultural methods for allelopathic weed control, in tolerance strategies of plant and microorganisms against allelochemicals and in allelochemical degradation as the latter is important to fulfill non-residue degradation to avoid environmental contaminations, a quality criterion of Green Technologies towards a more sustainable agriculture as requested by the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategies of the UE Green Deal Program.

Dr. Margot Schulz
Dr. Vincenzo Tabaglio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

allelochemical
allelopathic interactions
alternative weed control
microorganisms
secondary metabolite
regenerative agriculture
allelopathic cover crops
allelopathy in agriculture
allelopathy and Farm2Fork strategy

Related Special Issue

Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture 2nd Edition in Plants (3 articles)

Published Papers (14 papers)

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24 pages, 4248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Specialized Metabolites Accumulation Pattern in Buckwheat Is Strongly Influenced by Accession Choice and Co-Existing Weeds

by Yedra Vieites-Álvarez, Paz Otero, David López-González, Miguel Angel Prieto, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Manuel J. Reigosa, M. Iftikhar Hussain and Adela M. Sánchez-Moreiras

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2401; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132401 - 21 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 919

Abstract

Screening suitable allelopathic crops and crop genotypes that are competitive with weeds can be a sustainable weed control strategy to reduce the massive use of herbicides. In this study, three accessions of common buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. (Gema, Kora, and Eva) and one of Tartary buckwheat Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn. (PI481671) were screened against the germination and growth of the herbicide-resistant weeds Lolium rigidum Gaud. and Portulaca oleracea L. The chemical profile of the four buckwheat accessions was characterised in their shoots, roots, and root exudates in order to know more about their ability to sustainably manage weeds and the relation of this ability with the polyphenol accumulation and exudation from buckwheat plants. Our results show that different buckwheat genotypes may have different capacities to produce and exude several types of specialized metabolites, which lead to a wide range of allelopathic and defence functions in the agroecosystem to sustainably manage the growing weeds in their vicinity. The ability of the different buckwheat accessions to suppress weeds was accession-dependent without differences between species, as the common (Eva, Gema, and Kora) and Tartary (PI481671) accessions did not show any species-dependent pattern in their ability to control the germination and growth of the target weeds. Finally, Gema appeared to be the most promising accession to be evaluated in organic farming due to its capacity to sustainably control target weeds while stimulating the root growth of buckwheat plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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17 pages, 1989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Propiophenone, 4-Methylacetophenone and 2′,4′-Dimethylacetophenone as Phytotoxic Compounds of Labdanum Oil from Cistus ladanifer L.

by María Espinosa-Colín, Irene Hernandez-Caballero, Celia Infante, Irene Gago, Javier García-Muñoz and Teresa Sosa

Plants 2023, 12(5), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051187 - 06 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1424

Abstract

This is the first study to evaluate the phytotoxic activity of three phenolic compounds present in the essential oil of the labdanum of Cistus ladanifer, an allelopathic species of the Mediterranean ecosystem. Propiophenone, 4′-methylacetophenone, and 2′,4′-dimethylacetophenone slightly inhibit total germination and radicle growth of Lactuca sativa, and they strongly delay germination and reduce hypocotyl size. On the other hand, the inhibition effect of these compounds on Allium cepa was stronger on total germination than on germination rate, and radicle length compared to hypocotyl size. The position and number of methyl groups will affect the efficacy of the derivative. 2′,4′-dimethylacetophenone was the most phytotoxic compound. The activity of the compounds depended on their concentration and presented hormetic effects. In L. sativa, on paper, propiophenone presented greater inhibition of hypocotyl size at greater concentrations, with IC₅₀ = 0.1 mM, whereas 4′-methylacetophenone obtained IC₅₀ = 0.4 mM for germination rate. When the mixture of the three compounds was applied, in L. sativa, on paper, the inhibition effect on total germination and the germination rate was significantly greater compared to the effect of the compounds when they were applied separately; moreover, the mixture inhibited radicle growth, whereas propiophenone and 4′-methylacetophenone did not exert such effect when applied separately. The activity of the pure compounds and that of the mixture also changed based on the substrate used. When the trial was conducted in soil, the separate compounds delayed the germination of the A. cepa to a greater extent compared to the trial on paper, although they stimulated seedling growth. In soil, L. sativa against 4′-methylacetophenone also showed the opposite effect at low concentrations (0.1 mM), with stimulation of germination rate, whereas propiophenone and 4′-methylacetophenone presented a slightly increased effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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20 pages, 2859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oils and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus falcata, E. sideroxylon and E. citriodora Growing in Tunisia

by Ismail Amri, Marwa Khammassi, Rayda Ben Ayed, Sana Khedhri, Manel Ben Mansour, Oumayma Kochti, Ylenia Pieracci, Guido Flamini, Yassine Mabrouk, Samia Gargouri, Mohsen Hanana and Lamia Hamrouni

Plants 2023, 12(4), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040816 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2209

Abstract

Many plants are able to synthesize essential oils (EOs), which play key roles in defense against weeds, fungi and pests. This study aims to analyze the chemical composition and to highlight the antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytotoxic properties of the EOs from Eucalyptus falcata, E. sideroxylon and E. citriodora growing in Tunisia. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and their antioxidant properties were determined by total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH and ABTS assays. The phytotoxic potential was assessed against weeds (Sinapis arvensis, Phalaris canariensis) and durum wheat crop (Triticum durum) and compared to chemical herbicide glyphosate. The antifungal activity was investigated in vitro against eight target fungal strains. All EOs displayed a specific richness in oxygenated monoterpenes (51.3–90%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (4.8–29.4%), and 1,8-cineole, citronellal, citronellol, trans-pinocarveol, globulol, spathulenol and citronellyl acetate were the main constituents. Eucalyptus EOs exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity and E. citriodora oil exhibited significant activity when compared with E. falcata and E. sideroxylon EOs. The phytotoxic potential of the tested oils had different efficacy on seed germination and the growth of seedlings and varied among tested herbs and their chemical composition variability. Their effectiveness was better than that of glyphosate. At the post-emergence stage, symptoms of chlorosis and necrosis were observed. Furthermore, a decrease in chlorophyll and relative water content, electrolyte leakage and high levels of MDA and proline were indicators of the oxidative effects of EOs and their effectiveness as bioherbicides. Moreover, all the EOs exhibited moderate fungitoxic properties against all the tested fungal strains. Therefore, according to the obtained results, Eucalyptus EOs could have potential application as natural pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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11 pages, 1228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Phytotoxic Effect of Digestive Fluid of Nepenthes x ventrata on Tomato Related to Reactive Oxygen Species?

by Pawel Staszek, Maciej Piekarniak, Agnieszka Wal, Urszula Krasuska and Agnieszka Gniazdowska

Plants 2023, 12(4), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040755 - 08 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1457

Abstract

The digestive fluid of pitcher plants is a rich source of enzymes and secondary metabolites, but its impact on higher plant growth and development remains unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the phytotoxicity of the digestive fluid of the pitcher plant (Nepenthes x ventrata) on the germination of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds, elongation growth and cell viability of roots of tomato seedlings. The digestive fluid was collected from pitchers before feeding and four days after feeding; the pH and electrical conductivity of the fluid were determined. Undiluted and 50% fluids were used in the study. An inhibition of germination of tomato seeds, by around 30% and 55%, was respectively observed in 50% and 100% digestive fluids collected before and after feeding. Digestive fluid did not affect the root growth of tomato seedlings; a slight (6%) inhibition was only observed after the application of 100% digestive fluid from an unfed trap. The roots of the tomato seedlings treated with undiluted fluid were characterized by reduced cell viability. Reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂ and O₂^•−) were mainly localized in the root apex regardless of the used phytotoxic cocktail, and did not differ in comparison to control plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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14 pages, 3417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytotoxicity of Quillaja lancifolia Leaf Saponins and Their Bioherbicide Potential

by Maria E. M. Marques, Ana C. de Carvalho, Anna C. A. Yendo, Yve V. S. Magedans, Eliane Zachert and Arthur G. Fett-Neto

Plants 2023, 12(3), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030663 - 02 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1737

Abstract

Weeds are major threats to the integrity of agricultural and natural environments due to their invasive and competing potential. Bioherbicides are substances based on natural compounds that are biodegradable and often have low residual effects. Plant species able to produce and release phytotoxic compounds may represent effective bioherbicide sources. Leaves of Quillaja lancifolia D.Don (formerly Q. brasiliensis (A.St.-Hil. & Tul.) Mart.) produce water-soluble specialized metabolites of the saponin class that could be evaluated for phytotoxic activity and potential as natural herbicides. This study was conducted to examine the impacts of Q. lancifolia total saponins aqueous extract (AE) at 4 and 10% (w/v) and of two combined reverse-phase chromatography purified saponin fractions (QB) at 1 and 2% (w/v) on morpho-physiological parameters of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyardgrass) in pre- and post-emergence bioassays. QB was only tested in pre-emergence assays. In pre-emergence bioassays, the germination rate and germination kinetics were determined. Post-emergence evaluations included effects on seedling morphology, root and shoot length, dry mass, and chlorophyll content. Osmotic potential and pH analyses ruled out roles for these factors in the observed responses. AE had a high inhibitory impact on the germination of both lettuce and barnyardgrass. QB at 1% and 2% (w/v) significantly decreased the growth of lettuce seedlings germinated in its presence by more than 10-fold. Phytotoxic effects on the post-emergence growth of lettuce, especially at the highest concentration tested of AE (10% w/v), was also observed. The presence of quillaic acid-based triterpene saponins in AE and QB was confirmed using different analytical methods. Therefore, both saponin-enriched fraction and aqueous extracts of Q. lancifolia inhibited tested plant growth and development. The water solubility of saponins and the availability of a sustainable source of these molecules from the leaves of cultivated young Q. lancifolia plants make them attractive candidates for use as bioherbicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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17 pages, 4571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical and Biological Study of Trophic Interaction between Pseudosphinx Tetrio L. Larvae and Allamanda Cathartica L.

by Linda Matignon, Mame Marietou Lo, Magneric Monpierre, Mauro Vicentini Correia, Drochss Pettry Valencia, Marcos V. Palmeira-Mello, Marie-Noëlle Sylvestre, Ludovic Pruneau, Muriel Sylvestre, Antonio Domenech, Zohra Benfodda, Patrick Meffre and Gerardo Cebrián-Torrejón

Plants 2023, 12(3), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030520 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1851

Abstract

In this article, we propose to explore the chemical interaction between Pseudosphinx tetrio L. and Allamanda cathartica L. using different analytical methods, including an innovative electrochemical approach (called electrochemical ecology) and multivariate analysis, and we investigate the potential antimicrobial effects (antibacterial and antifungal activities) of this interaction in order to gain a better understanding of their specific interaction. The analytical study presents a similar chemical profile between the leaves of healthy and herbivorous A. cathartica and the excretions of the caterpillars. The similar analytical profile of the leaves of A. cathartica and the excretions of P. tetrio, and the difference with the caterpillar bodies, suggests a selective excretion of compounds by the caterpillar. The measured antimicrobial activities support the physicochemical tests. The natural products found selectively in the excretions (rather than in the body) could explain the ability of P. tetrio to feed on this toxic Apocynaceae species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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16 pages, 4735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelopathic Substances of Osmanthus spp. for Developing Sustainable Agriculture

by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi, Yuri Hamada, Misuzu Kojima, Sanae Kumagai, Arihiro Iwasaki and Kiyotake Suenaga

Plants 2023, 12(2), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020376 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Osmanthus fragrans Lour. has been cultivated for more than 2500 years because of the fragrance and color of the flowers. The flowers and roots have been used in tea, liquors, foods, and traditional Chinese medicine. The species contains more than 180 compounds including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and sterols. However, there has been limited information available on the allelopathic properties and allelopathic substances of O. fragrans. We investigated the allelopathy and allelopathic substances of O. fragrans and Osmanthus heterophyllus (G.Don) P.S. Green, as well as Osmanthus × fortunei Carrière, which is the hybrid species between O. fragrans and O. heterophyllus. The leaf extracts of O. fragrans, O. heterophyllus, and O. × fortunei suppressed the growth of cress (Lepidium sativum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Lolium multiflorum Lam., and Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C.Gmel with the extract concentration dependently. The extract of the hybrid species O. × fortune was the most active among the extracts. The main allelopathic substances of O. × fortunei and O. fragrans were isolated and identified as (+)-pinoresinol and 10-acetoxyligustroside, respectively. (+)-Pinoresinol was also found in the fallen leaves of O. × fortunei. Both compounds showed an allelopathic activity on the growth of cress and L. multiflorum. On the other hand, several allelopathic substances including (+)-pinoresinol may be involved in the allelopathy of O. heterophyllus. O. fragrans, O. heterophyllus, and O. × fortunei are evergreen trees. but their senescent leaves fall and cover the soil under the trees. It is possible that those allelopathic substances are liberated through the decomposition process of the leaves into their rhizosphere soil, and that they accumulate in the soil and provide a competitive advantage to the species through the inhibition of the growth of the neighboring competing plants. Therefore, the leaves of these Osmanthus species are allelopathic and potentially useful for weed management options in some agriculture settings to reduce commercial herbicide dependency for the developing sustainable agriculture systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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19 pages, 4246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modulating Expression Levels of TCP Transcription Factors by Mentha x piperita Volatiles—An Allelopathic Tool to Influence Leaf Growth?

by Matthias Preusche, Marvin Vahl, Johanna Riediger, Andreas Ulbrich and Margot Schulz

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3078; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223078 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2098

Abstract

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a species with inhibitory allelopathic properties due to its high amounts of terpenes. Recent studies have disclosed dosage dependent growth promotion or defense reactions in plants when facing appropriate amounts of Mentha bouquet terpenes. These positive effects could be of interest for agricultural applications. To obtain more insights into leaf growth modulations, the expression of Arabidopsis and Brassica rapa TCP transcription factors were studied after fumigation with M. x piperita bouquets (Arabidopsis), with M. x piperita essential oil or with limonene (Arabidopsis and Chinese cabbage). According to qPCR studies, expression of TCP3, TCP24, and TCP20 were downregulated by all treatments in Arabidopsis, leading to altered leaf growth. Expressions of B. rapa TCPs after fumigation with the essential oil or limonene were less affected. Extensive greenhouse and polytunnel trials with white cabbage and Mentha plants showed that the developmental stage of the leaves, the dosage, and the fumigation time are of crucial importance for changed fresh and dry weights. Although further research is needed, the study may contribute to a more intensive utilization of ecologically friendly and species diversity conservation and positive allelopathic interactions in future agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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17 pages, 4476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelochemicals from the Rhizosphere Soil of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Their Interactions with the Soilborne Pathogens

by Aiyi Xin, Hui Jin, Xiaoyan Yang, Jinfeng Guan, Heping Hui, Haoyue Liu, Zengtuan Cui, Zhiheng Dun and Bo Qin

Plants 2022, 11(15), 1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151934 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

To reveal the allelopathic effects of potato, seven compounds were isolated from the rhizosphere soil: 7-methoxycoumarin (1), palmitic acid (2), caffeic acid (3), chlorogenic acid (4), quercetin dehydrate (5), quercitrin (6), and rutin (7). Bioassays showed that compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6 had inhibitory effects on the growth of L. sativa and tissue culture seedlings of potato. The existence of the allelochemicals was confirmed by HPLC, and their contents were quantified with a total concentration of 9.02 μg/g in the rhizosphere soil of replanted potato. Approaches on the interactions of the allelochemicals and pathogens of potato including A. solani, B. cinerea, F. solani, F. oxysporum, C. coccodes, and V. dahlia revealed that compound 1 had inhibitory effects but compounds 2–4 promoted the colony growth of the pathogens. These findings demonstrated that the autotoxic allelopathy and enhancement of the pathogens caused by the accumulation of the allelochemicals in the continuously cropped soil should be one of the main reasons for the replant problems of potato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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Review

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19 pages, 1398 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential of Allelochemicals from Microalgae for Biopesticides

by Livia Marques Casanova, Andrew Macrae, Jacqueline Elis de Souza, Athayde Neves Junior and Alane Beatriz Vermelho

Plants 2023, 12(9), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12091896 - 06 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

Improvements in agricultural productivity are required to meet the demand of a growing world population. Phytopathogens, weeds, and insects are challenges to agricultural production. The toxicity and widespread application of persistent synthetic pesticides poses a major threat to human and ecosystem health. Therefore, sustainable strategies to control pests are essential for agricultural systems to enhance productivity within a green paradigm. Allelochemicals are a less persistent, safer, and friendly alternative to efficient pest management, as they tend to be less toxic to non-target organisms and more easily degradable. Microalgae produce a great variety of allelopathic substances whose biocontrol potential against weeds, insects, and phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria has received much attention. This review provides up-to-date information and a critical perspective on allelochemicals from microalgae and their potential as biopesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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15 pages, 4202 KiB

Open AccessReview

Abutilon theophrasti’s Resilience against Allelochemical-Based Weed Management in Sustainable Agriculture – Due to Collection of Highly Advantageous Microorganisms?

by Vincenzo Tabaglio, Andrea Fiorini, Tracy M. Sterling and Margot Schulz

Plants 2023, 12(4), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040700 - 04 Feb 2023

Viewed by 6192

Abstract

Abutilon theophrasti Medik. (velvetleaf) is a problematic annual weed in field crops which has invaded many temperate parts of the world. Since the loss of crop yields can be extensive, approaches to manage the weed include not only conventional methods, but also biological methods, for instance by microorganisms releasing phytotoxins and plant-derived allelochemicals. Additionally, benzoxazinoid-rich rye mulches effective in managing common weeds like Amaranthus retroflexus L. have been tested for this purpose. However, recent methods for biological control are still unreliable in terms of intensity and duration. Rye mulches were also ineffective in managing velvetleaf. In this review, we present the attempts to reduce velvetleaf infestation by biological methods and discuss possible reasons for the failure. The resilience of velvetleaf may be due to the extraordinary capacity of the plant to collect, for its own survival, the most suitable microorganisms from a given farming site, genetic and epigenetic adaptations, and a high stress memory. Such properties may have developed together with other advantageous abilities during selection by humans when the plant was used as a crop. Rewilding could be responsible for improving the microbiomes of A. theophrasti. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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13 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessReview

Novel Cognitions in Allelopathy: Implications from the “Horizontal Natural Product Transfer”

by Laura Lewerenz, Sara Abouzeid, Mahdi Yahyazadeh, Tahani Hijazin and Dirk Selmar

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3264; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233264 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1485

Abstract

Whereas the translocation of allelochemicals between plants is well established, a related general transfer of genuine specialized metabolites has not been considered so far. The elucidation of the so-called “Horizontal Natural Product Transfer” revealed that alkaloids, such as nicotine and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are leached out from decomposing alkaloid-containing plants (donor plants), are indeed taken up by the roots of plants growing in the vicinity (acceptor plants). Further studies demonstrated that phenolic compounds, such as coumarins or stilbenes, are also taken up by acceptor plants. Contemporary analyses from co-cultivation experiments outlined that natural products are not exclusively transferred from dead and rotting donor plant materials, but also from vital plants. In analogy to xenobiotics, the imported specialized metabolites might also be modified within the acceptor plants. As known from the uptake of xenobiotics, the import of specialized metabolites is also generally due to a simple diffusion of the substances across the biomembranes and does not require a carrier. The uptake depends in stricto sensu on the physicochemical properties of the certain compound. This article presents a current overview of the phenomenon of “Horizontal Natural Product Transfer” and discusses its relevance for our understanding of allelopathic interactions. The knowledge that specialized metabolites might in general be readily translocated from one plant into others should significantly contribute to our understanding of plant–plant interactions and—in particular—to the evolution of typical allelopathic effects, such as inhibition of growth and germination of potential competitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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16 pages, 1262 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Allelopathy and Allelochemicals of Solidago canadensis L. and S. altissima L. for Their Naturalization

by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3235; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233235 - 25 Nov 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3003

Abstract

Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago altissima L. are native to North America and have naturalized many other continents including Europa and Asia. Their species is an aggressive colonizer and forms thick monospecific stands. The evidence of the allelopathy for S. canadensis and S. altissima has accumulated in the literature since the late 20th century. The root exudates, extracts, essential oil and rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis suppressed the germination, growth and the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of several plants, including native plant species. Allelochemicals such as fatty acids, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols and their related compounds were identified in the extracts and essential oil of S. canadensis. The concentrations of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total saponins in the rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis obtained from the invasive ranges were greater than those from the native ranges. Allelochemicals such as terpenes, flavonoids, polyacetylene and phenols were also identified in the extracts, essential oil and the rhizosphere soil in S. altissima. Among the identified allelochemicals of S. altissima, the cis-dehydromatricaria ester may be involved in the allelopathy considering its growth inhibitory activity and its concentration in the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, the allelopathy of S. canadensis and S. altissima may support their invasiveness, naturalization and formation of thick monospecific stands. This is the first review article focusing on the allelopathy of both of S. canadensis and S. altissima. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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12 pages, 1795 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Cyperus (Cyperus esculentus L.): A Review of Its Compositions, Medical Efficacy, Antibacterial Activity and Allelopathic Potentials

by Shengai Zhang, Peizhi Li, Zunmiao Wei, Yan Cheng, Jiayao Liu, Yanmin Yang, Yuyan Wang and Zhongsheng Mu

Plants 2022, 11(9), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091127 - 21 Apr 2022

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Abstract

Cyperus (Cyperus esculentus L.) is an edible perennial grass-like plant, which propagates exclusively with underground tubers. Its tubers are rich in starch (20–30%), fat (25–35%), sugar (10–20%), protein (10–15%) and dietary fiber (8–9%). In addition, the tubers also contain alkaloids, organic acids, vitamins (C and E), steroids, terpenoids and other active components. The contents of oleic acid and linoleic acid in Cyperus oil are very high, which have important medicinal value and health-promoting properties. Most of the extracts from the tubers, stems and leaves of Cyperus have allelopathic potential and antibacterial, antioxidant and insecticidal activities. In recent years, the planting area of Cyperus has increased significantly all over the world, especially in China and some other countries. This paper presents the current status of Cyperus and the recent trend in research in this area. Published reports on its nutritional contents, active ingredients, medicinal efficacy, antibacterial activity and allelopathic potential were also reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Allelopathy: Mechanisms and Applications in Regenerative Agriculture)

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