Hans Molisch’ Legacy^*

This paper is a tribute to Professor Dr Hans Molisch and to other ‘Pioneers of Allelopathy’. It is noted that studies of ‘allelopathy’ were made thousands of years before the term, itself, was employed. Phases of allelopathic endeavour are defined and important personalities identified. The establishment of the Interational Allelopathy Society is seen as a significant event.

It is argued that, while interest in allelopathy remains high, contemporary contributions to the literature do not always take into account similar work, which may have been conducted decades previously. Further, the often-reported promise of allelopathy in management systems has been, relatively little realised. Contemporary interest in bioactives for health and nutrition indicate a possible future for allelopathy. This is as a natural phenomenon valuable in its own right. Many allelochemicals are already deployed for the use of people. Recognising the intrinsic value of allelopathy, as against promoting it as a substitute for ‘conventional’ approaches in agrticulture, may offer a path forward.