Crop cultivars with allelopathic capability

Allelopathy has potential in integrated weed management. Crop plants have t he capability to produce and exude allelochemicals into their surroundings to suppress the growth of weeds in their vicinity. Selection for superior g enotypes with allelopathic potential has been carried out in several field crops, and evidence has accumulated that crop cultivars differ significantl y in their ability to inhibit the growth of certain weed species. To date, progress has been made in understanding the genetics of crop allelopathic a ctivity, and successful genetic manipulation of this trait has also been de monstrated. However, much more research needs to be carried out in order to have a thorough understanding of the genetic control of allelopathic activ ity. Several genes might be involved in regulating the production and exuda tion of allelochemicals. Concerted efforts using advances in plant biotechn ology will help to unveil the genetics of this trait. Once the allelopathic genes have been located, a breeding programme could be initiated to transf er the genes into modern cultivars to enhance their allelopathic activity f or weed suppression, thereby reducing over-reliance on herbicides.