What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture.
1. Allelopathy is the biochemical suppression or
Allelopathy is the biochemical suppression or stimulation of one plant by another through released chemicals.
2. Allelochemicals — phenolics
Allelochemicals — phenolics, terpenoids, alkaloids — are released through root exudates, litter, leaching and volatilization.
3. In irrigated cropping systems
In irrigated cropping systems, decomposing residues of rice and wheat suppress weeds through allelopathic effects.
4. Continuous paddy-wheat rotation in the Indo-Gangetic
Continuous paddy-wheat rotation in the Indo-Gangetic plains shows both weed suppression and residue interference with crop germination.
5. Allelopathic crops like sorghum and sunflower
Allelopathic crops like sorghum and sunflower in mulch or cover crops offer low-cost weed management. They reduce herbicide dependence in irrigated agriculture.
6. Autotoxicity from monoculture accumulates self-inhibitory chemicals
Autotoxicity from monoculture accumulates self-inhibitory chemicals, causing yield decline in rice, sugarcane and alfalfa.
7. Tree-crop interactions matter: eucalyptus and walnut
Tree-crop interactions matter: eucalyptus and walnut release chemicals depressing understory crops.
8. Crop rotation
Crop rotation, residue management and green manuring exploit allelopathy for sustainable agriculture. It strengthens integrated weed management in irrigated systems.
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