Allelopathy

However, in addition to continuing efforts in all these directions, constant attempts are to be made to describe the mechanics of allelopathic activity in molecular terms and to discover ways and means to exploit it for the welfare of mankind. Certain plants and microorganisms are capable of releasing chemicals into their surrounding environment and these chemicals may have either deleterious or beneficial effects on other plants growing in their vicinity. The study of the naturally occuring phenomenon (allelopathy) and the chemicals responsible for such interactions (allelochemicals) is of vital importance and interest to many areas of biological science. The Editors of "Allelopathy" have drawn together an impressive international group of over 40 contributors who provide a thorough synthesis of all of the important aspects relating to the study of this subject including the already realized and potential applications of allelochemicals for use in agricultural systems. Much of the important material contained in "Allelopathy" has previously been unpublished in book form, including important new information relating to allelochemical applications ecosystems and fire-prone communities. There is no doubt that the application of the results of research into allelochemicals will lead to further improvements in crop productivity, pest control systems and the provision of greater understanding of problems relating to weed and disease control, phytotoxin production in plants and biological nitrogen fixation.