Allelochemicals

Allelochemicals are natural chemicals produced by plants to influence their environment, often affecting the growth and development of other nearby plants, fungi, or microorganisms. These compounds serve as a form of plant defense or competitive strategy, helping a plant to reduce competition for resources like nutrients, water, or light. For example, some plants release allelochemicals into the soil that inhibit the germination or growth of potential competitors. While beneficial for the producing plant, allelochemicals can also impact soil health and biodiversity, playing a significant role in plant community dynamics.