Ecological Effects of Allelopathic Plants:A review

• Main Authors: Kruse, M., Strandberg, M., Strandberg, B.
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: National Environmental Research Institute 2000
• Subjects: Helle; Ravn; National Environmental Research Institute
• Online Access: https://pure.au.dk/portal/da/publications/ecological-effects-of-allelopathic-plants(e67e2e90-7e9c-11dd-a5a8-000ea68e967b).html; http://www.dmu.dk/1_viden/2_Publikationer/3_fagrapporter/default.asp

Abstract: In this report actual literature concerning allelopathy has been reviewed. The objective of the report has been to discuss the potential of allelopathy in relation to genetically modification of crops and on this background to discuss how allelopathic crops may interfere with the environment through spread of GM-plants or transgenes outside agricultural areas. The last chapter discuss GM-allelopathic plants in relation to the ecological risk assessment. Preface: This report is based on a literature review on allelopathy from an ecological impact point of view carried out in 1999. The study was initiated because recently published research results have suggested that the allelopathic activity of agricultural crops can be improved by genetic engineering. The report describes allelopathy of selected crops and also summarises available information concerning the genetic studies on allelopathy in these crops. It discusses the ecological effects of allelopathic plants in natural ecosystems and factors of importance for the effects of these plants are pointed out. Finally the report presents suggestions for an ecological risk assessment of crops with an enhanced release of allelochemicals. The report has been thoroughly reviewed and commented by Jan G. Højland from the National Forest and Nature Agency, Gösta Kjellsson, Christian Kjær and Helle Ravn from the National Environmental Research Institute.