Allelopathy in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) allelopathy has potential for the management of w eeds, pests and diseases. Both wheat residue allelopathy and wheat seedling allelopathy can be exploited for managing weeds, including resistant bioty pes. Wheat varieties differ in allelopathic potential against weeds, indica ting that selection of allelopathic varieties might be a useful strategy in integrated weed management. Several categories of allelochemicals for whea t allelopathy have been identified, namely, phenolic acids, hydroxamic acid s and short-chain fatty acids. Wheat allelopathic activity is genetically c ontrolled and a multigenic model has been proposed. Research is underway to identify genetic markers associated with wheat allelopathy. Once allelopat hic genes have been located, a breeding programme could be initiated to tra nsfer the genes into modem varieties for weed suppression. The negative imp acts of wheat autotoxicity on agricultural production systems have also bee n identified when wheat straws are retained on the soil surface for conserv ation farming purposes. A management package to avoid such deleterious effe cts is discussed. Wheat allelopathy requires further study in order to maxi mise its allelopathic potential for the control of weeds, pests and disease s, and to minimise its detrimental effects on the growth of wheat and other crops.