Allelopathy In Trees
University Outreach Publication
Trees have developed in ecological systems filled with many other organisms. The environment, shared by all, contains limited resources and less-than-ideal growth conditions. All living things have strategies to thrive in this intense struggle for life. There are not a lot of clear winners or losers, but many survivors. Allelopathy is one strategy of life.
The study of allelopathy (allelochemics) has only become a major thrust in tree biology in the last 30 years. The term "allelopathy" is from Greek meaning "to suffer from each other." Allelopathy has traditionally been considered only the negative chemical warfare of one organism upon another. Modern research suggests that allelopathic effects can be both positive and negative, depending upon the dose and organism affected. Allelopathy is the active or passive effects of chemicals released into the environment which influences other organisms.
(FOR99-004) April 1999
Kim D. Coder
1999
University of Georgia School of Forest Resources
Athens, GA
8
Click here to open, view, or download this resource as a PDF
Ecological Linkages, Ecosystem Management, Forest Health, Landscape Ecology, Plant Health Care, Stress & Stressors, Biology (tree), Diagnosis and Treatment, Growth, Health (tree)
International
Allelochems, Interference, Leaf characteristics, Allelochemicals
