Allelopathy : Chemistry and Mode of Action of Allelochemicals

Focuses on the important chemicals responsible for allelopathic phenomena and the mode of action of these compounds in plants. This book studies the processes involving organically produced chemicals of plant, fungal, and microbial origin that benefit or harm the development of intimately associated plants and microbes.

Most, if not all, books on allelopathy cover the ecological, agronomic, and descriptive physiological aspects. And although the amount of papers published on the chemical aspects and mode of action of these compounds continues to rise, there has been, until now, no book available that reflects the latest literature. Written by experts, Allelopathy: Chemistry and Mode of Action of Allelochemicals is the first book to focus on the chemical phenomena of allelopathy.

The book discusses the chemicals responsible for the allelopathic phenomena and, closely connected with them, the modes of action of these compounds in the plant. Each chapter is dedicated to a single class of compounds and contains either a methods section describing how to perform the bioassays or references to the appropriate literature. The methods covered include first-line technologies such as proteomic techniques applied to allelopathic studies.

Where other books on this subject highlight the "fuzzier" aspects, this one covers the hard science. It explores the latest developments in the field, discusses structure-activity relationships and SAR studies, and provides a foundation for the development of new natural herbicides. Designed as a practical, bench-friendly book, Allelopathy: Chemistry and Mode of Action of Allelochemicals is a convenient, easy-to-use resource that puts the latest information within easy reach.