ALLELOPATHY FOR WEED CONTROL IN AQUATIC AND WETLAND SYSTEMS

Abstract

Allelochemicals offer ample scope for ecologically safe and effective weed control in aquatic and wetland systems. This could be attributed to the absence of soil interface in aquatic habitats that contributes largely for rapid degradation of allelochemicals. Simpler strategies involving allelopathy especially for small holder farms, low input agriculture and aquatic environments with appreciable results have been reported. Such strategies include use of allelopathic cultivars, organic manures and plant products. Though allelopathic suppression of weeds could not be construed as an alternate to replace synthetic herbicides, it can fit in an integrated weed management program very well as a prime component. Such strategies are reviewed. Further, a specific case study for the use of plant product along with insect agents for controlling water hyacinth in India and different steps involved in selecting allelopathic plant products for aquatic weed control are discussed.