Abstract
Allelopathy is a function of secondary metabolites previously known as storage substance or a compound not indispensable to the plants. Previous research on allelopathy suggested that prominent phenomena in allelopathy might be possible through cover plants with allelopathic activity, mulching with allelopathic leaves. For ground cover plants, screening of allelopathic plants by laboratory bioassays and field tests showed that Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), Hyacinth bean (Dolicos lablab),and Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) showed strong activity. Unusual amino acids such as L-DOPA, L-canavanine, L-mimosine, and rotenone in these legumes played important role as allelochemicals. For mulching by allelopathic plants, screening of fallen leaves from trees showed that, Cymbopogon citratus, Derris scandens, Eucalyptus citriodora, Tamarindus indica, Prosopis juriflora, Gliricidia sepium, and Leucaena leucosephala, have strong allelopthic activity. By means of these plants, sustainable agriculture without artificial chemicals might be possible.
