Potential role of eucalyptus spp. And acacia spp. allelochemicals in weed management

Abstract

Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia spp. have been reported as major invaders in several regions and Mediterranean climates. It has been documented that E. globulus and E. camaldulensis can serve as resources of allelochemicals, which can be used as tools of control strategy of noxious weed species infesting the agricultural areas of the Mediterranean region. Additionally, the remarkable allelopathy potential of A. dealbata Link against various weed species has been highlighted in many recent studies. There is also evidence that other species belonging to Acacia spp. can suppress the native vegetation, including weeds, due to their allelopathic potential. However, allelochemical extracts from different plant tissues seem variable in terms of their effects on various species germination and growth parameters. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the allelochemicals in weed management is also a matter of choosing the most appropriate application rate at any case. In the present review, aspects of the potential role of Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia spp. allelochemicals in weed management were discussed. Further research is needed in order to optimize the use of such allelochemicals produced by invasive plants in the Mediterranean region in both organic and sustainable agriculture systems.