Abstract
Abstract Allelopathy, a complex phenomenon has unveiled both stimulatory and inhibitory effects in plant processes that are mediated by the release of certain chemical compounds commonly known as allelochemicals. Allelochemicals, a form of bioactive secondary metabolites are produced by a diverse group of plants and microbes in response to biotic and abiotic stress. It ranges from a simple hydrocarbon to complex polycyclic aromatic compounds like phenol, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, amino acids, alkaloids and quinones. These plant bioactive compounds are released into the environment via decomposition, exudation, leaching and volatilization that play a significant role in regulating the intra-specific or inter-specific relations with counterparts. A wide variety of methods has been proposed for analyzing the basic mechanism and overall effect of allelochemicals. However, the lack of a reliable and effective method to identify their molecular mode of action and their modulation in the metabolic pathway still remains as a great challenge. From a commercial perspective, these allelochemicals are deemed to be better candidates for green natural herbicides and weedicides that are proven to be environment friendly, unlike synthetic chemicals. In order to pave a way for the economic viability of these chemicals, a basic understanding of their chemistry is inevitable. This review article is focused to give an in-depth understanding of metabolic pathways genes responsible for the elicitation/secretion and the adoption of a suitable downstream process and analytical techniques that can intensify the process.
Highlights
Secondary metabolites are produced by plants, animals and microbes that do not have a direct role toward the primary functions such as growth and metabolism
An increase in the overall allelopathic potential was observed in a Quercus rubra L. and Acer rubrum L., as a result of high temperature and drought eventually leading to an increased production of tannins [4]
The major compounds obtained from this type of extraction include phenolic acids, quinones, flavones, flavonoids, tannins and coumarins which are documented with allelopathic activities [7,8]
Summary
Secondary metabolites are produced by plants, animals and microbes that do not have a direct role toward the primary functions such as growth and metabolism. These chemicals vary from one organism to another and differ between the species of the same genus. The major compounds obtained from this type of extraction include phenolic acids, quinones, flavones, flavonoids, tannins and coumarins which are documented with allelopathic activities (anti-microbial and anti-oxidative) [7,8] Most of these allelopathic compounds exhibited a positive effect (stimulation/germination) only at a lower concentration and beyond certain critical limits they could induce toxicity. This article is mainly focused on the chemical nature of different allelopathic compounds, metabolic pathways along with the genes responsible for the elicitation/ secretion and their suitable extraction methodologies that could pave the economically and technically viable routes for industrial commercialization
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