ARS | Publication request: Allelopathic weed suppression through the use of cover crops

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2011
Publication Date: February 29, 2012
Citation: Price, A.J., Kelton, J.A., Mosjidis, J. 2012. Allelopathic weed suppression through the use of cover crops. In: Price, A.J., editor. Weed Control. Rijeka, Croatia: Intech Press. p. 115-130.

Interpretive Summary: Ensuring sufficient food and fiber production for future generations can be hampered by limited options for weed control, particularly in developing countries where yields are reduced by up to 25% by weed species. Identifying and detailing sustainable weed control measures that can be implemented to reduce weed pressure in a number of settings can help to safeguard the productivity of agriculture. Therefore, the objectives of this book chapter are to describe the fundamentals of allelopathy and how to utilize allelopathic compounds for weed control through cover crop use. The chapter also highlights many of the identified biochemicals, their structures, and the respective cover crops in which they are found. Lastly, the text also details the degree of allelopathic potential for a number of cover crops, as determined by laboratory testing.

Technical Abstract: Ensuring sufficient food and fiber production for future generations can be hampered by limited options for weed control, particularly in developing countries where yields are reduced by up to 25% by weed species. Identifying and detailing sustainable weed control measures that can be implemented to reduce weed pressure in a number of settings can help to safeguard the productivity of agriculture. Therefore, the objectives of this book chapter are to describe the fundamentals of allelopathy and how to utilize allelopathic compounds for weed control through cover crop use. The chapter also highlights many of the identified biochemicals, their structures, and the respective cover crops in which they are found. Lastly, the text also details the degree of allelopathic potential for a number of cover crops, as determined by laboratory testing.