Deciphering field-based evidences for crop allelopathy in weed regulation. A review

Abstract It is now essential to reduce the negative impacts of weed management and especially herbicide use. Weed-suppressive crop species/varieties hold promise for integrated sustainable regulation. Competition resources allelopathy are two main underlying mechanisms. Unlike competition, which well studied established, by living crops remains a contentious mechanism. A major difficulty demonstrate effects in field dissociate them from those competition. Here, we systematically quantitatively review literature, searching field-based evidence role (by root exudation crops) regulation, independently focusing on studies comparing different varieties given species. Our critical literature analysis also aims identify weaknesses strengths methodology, providing insights optimal experimental designs avenues future research. conclusions are: (1) most articles, competition disregarded or not exhaustively studied. Consequently, contrary authors’ conclusions, it cannot be determined whether regulation due and/or (2) Few articles provided convincing presence/absence field. (3) To further investigate recommend (i) finely characterize measuring traits field, (ii) assess allelopathic potential with complementary experiments controlled conditions quantifying allelochemicals (iii) quantify contribution each trait/mechanism explaining multiple regression models. In conclusion, consistent use suggested guidelines, as alternative approaches (e.g., creation deactivated functions, development process-based simulation models), may provide basis and, subsequently, designing strategies promoting biological