Allelopathy

Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon where plants release certain chemicals into the environment that affect the growth and development of nearby plants. These chemicals, called allelochemicals, can inhibit seed germination, root growth, or overall plant health. It's a natural strategy some plants use to reduce competition for resources like nutrients, water, and sunlight. For example, black walnut trees produce compounds that hinder the growth of other plants around them, giving the walnut tree an advantage. Allelopathy plays a significant role in plant interactions and can influence the composition of plant communities.