Allelopathy, seed germination, weed control and bioassay methods

Abstract

Even before its formal establishment as a scientific discipline, allelopathy has been intertwined with agriculture and the potential of allelopathy for weed control has been a permanent matter of interest. Therefore we investigate the importance of seeds and of permanent soil seed banks as a means for propagation of weed species as well as strategies for long-term weed control. Depleting seed banks is critical and encouraging weed seed germination prior to sowing crops is one of the most promising targets for weed control by allelopathins. The share of interest in weed control and in germination in Allelopathy Journal is also examined. Finally we present and discuss methodologic aspects to be taken into account in allelopathic studies for efficient weed control by either permanently inhibiting weed seed germination or by stimulating weed seed germination.