Allelopathy of Rumex spp.: A review

TL;DR

This review summarizes the allelopathic effects of Rumex species, highlighting their chemical compounds, impact on plant growth, and potential for weed and pest control, with variability depending on species and extract concentration.

Contribution

It compiles and analyzes existing research on Rumex allelopathy, emphasizing its potential applications in agriculture and pest management.

Findings

Rumex species contain allelochemicals affecting seed germination.

Allelopathic effects vary with extract concentration and plant part.

Potential use of Rumex extracts for weed and pest control.

Abstract

The genus of Rumex from the Polygonaceae family is widespread in the world, particularly in the northern hemisphere, and includes about 250 species. The species of this genus are used for medicinal purposes and their allelopathic impacts. Regarding allelopathy, many allelochemicals have been detected in different Rumex species. Therefore, plant extracts, leachates, and plant residues of different species of Rumex have been studied with seed germination and plant growth in the recipient plants. Also, various species of Rumex were tested for their allelopathic capacities to control weeds, insects, and plant pathogens. Besides, it was revealed that the allelopathic impact of Rumex spp. was variable depending on extract concentration, the plant part of the Rumex spp., and the species of the recipient plant. In the present review, the results of the studies are exhibited that aimed at the allelopathic effect on different aspects of the plant crops, weeds, insects, and plant pathogens.