Allelopathic Interactions between Plants and Microorganisms in Soil Ecosystems

Abstract

Allelopathy is a kind of ecological competition between organisms that is widely spread in nature and exerts a significant effect on the functioning of biocenoses. In recent decades, significant results have been obtained on the isolation and identification of metabolites of plants and microorganisms with allelopathic activity and their role in soil ecosystems. The present review analyses data on allelopathic properties of plants and microorganisms, the main functions and modes of action of allelochemicals, and their stability in soil ecosystems. The role of allelopathic interactions in biocenoses and specific features of allelopathic activity under a changing environment and anthropogenic impact are discussed. The possibility of the use of allelopathy for the control of phytopathogens and future research directions are considered.