Comparison of physiological effects of allelochemicals and commercial herbicides

The effects of application of allelochemicals (phenolic and hydroxamic acid s) on physiological processes (photosynthesis, amino acids metabolism, osmo tic adjustment, ion leakage from roots), growth and development of Lactuca sativa, Polygonum persicaria and Dactylis glomerata plants were compared wi th those of commercial herbicides. The allelochemicals affected many physio logical processes. produced less intense effect and their effect persisted for a shorter period than herbicides. The cocktail effect of natural herbic ides has been compared vis-a-vis with single site of action of synthetic mo lecules of commercial herbicides.