Allelopathic interactions in forestry systems

A natural phenomenon of release of secondary metabolites by plants or micro -organisms in the environment, normally termed as allelopathy, assumes a si gnificant role in different managed forestry systems. A large number of tre es have been reported to exhibit this phenomenon. It influences the success ional pattern of the understorey vegetation and the overall dynamics of the ecosystems. In agroforestry systems the allelopathy leads to loss in produ ctivity and changes in the nutrient cycling. The phenomenon could be succes sfully exploited for the management of weeds and pests apart from understan ding and overcoming the problem of soil sickness and conservation of nitrog en etc. It also provides a platform for the scientists of various disciplin es to work together.