Volatile Allelochemicals

Abstract

Allelochemicals are chemical species involved in interactions of individuals of different species. Volatile compounds are present in several multitrophic interactions, which makes them candidates for research and technology for agriculture. In agriculture, volatile compounds are extremely important because they act as a defense mechanism of the plant against biotic and abiotic stress. Current limits and disadvantages that can hinder the use of volatiles in the open field are analyzed and solutions for better exploration in sustainable agriculture of the future are envisioned. A recent review, report volatile organic compounds as effective auxiliaries of the ecological, economic and sustainable social development of the substantial agricultural industry, through the allelopathy of these compounds released by plants. Several volatile allelochemicals are present in nature, especially alkaloids, phenolic compounds and terpenes with important pesticidal and herbicide actions. Volatile active compounds attach great importance to the future development of green agriculture. Compounds such as (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 2 and (Z)-3-hexenil acetate, Β-cayophyllene, Β-mycene and ρ-cimene (E)-nerolidol and (3E, 7E)-4, 8, 12-Trimetiltrideca-1, 3, 7, 11-tetraene, have been reported as potential alternatives for the production of foods free of synthetic pesticides, due to their potential in plant defense.