Allelopathy: an ecophysiological trait that favors the invasive ability of plant species

Abstract

Lorenzo,  P.,  González,  L.  2010.  Allelopathy:  an  ecophysiological  trait  that  favors  the  invasive  ability  of  plant  species. Ecosistemas 19(1):79-91.

The main problem associated with plant invasions in terrestrial ecosystems is the loss of biodiversity in the threatened area. Most of the studies on different ecosystems have been based on relations of competition for resources between the native and non-native flora and paying less attention to interaction relationship between species. We reviewed in this article the importance of allelopathy in the invasive process, the different chemical compounds which act as allelochemicals, the effects of the allelopathic process on the physiological activity of  the  recipient  species,  soil  microorganisms  and  nutrient  cycling,  different  aspects  that  may  have  favored  the  invasive  ability  of  alien species. We conclude that generated environmental problems by exotic species may be exacerbated in protected and sensitive areas where milder weather conditions due to the climate change process are expected.