Allelopathic Chemical

Name:
Allelopathic Chemical
Detailed information:
Any of a wide range of natural herbicides of varying toxicity produced by many species of plants, as well as by soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi). These compounds adversely affect other plants in the vicinity, either inhibiting germination and growth or killing them outright. They are extracted from the growing plant by leaching of its leaves, root exudates, and decomposition of dead tissue. Examples of plants found to be sources of these toxic compounds are sunflowers, oats, and soybeans. Among the products that have been identified are amygdalin, caffeine, gallic acid, and arbutin. Many types of chemical structure are represented. Research is directed toward breeding and cultivation of allelopathic plants to utilize their weed-killing ability.