State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Zhongshan University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
*Corresponding Author. E. Mail: blanple@yahoo.com.cn
Mikania micrantha H.B.K. is one of the world's worst weeds. It has caused serious damage to natural ecosystems and plantation crops. The successful invasion of M. micrantha is due not only to its wide eco-physiological tolerance and strong reproduction but also to its allelopathic effects on neighboring plants This paper mainly reviews the research on M. micrantha allelopathy. This weed produces a variety of allelochemicals (phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes) that can be released by volatilization, lixiviation of aerial parts and decomposition of plant debris in the soil. M. micrantha had allelopathic effects on crops, weeds, co-occurring plant species, insects and pathogens. Its allelopathic potential is modified by environment factors and changes in plant tissues. Its allelopathic potential clearly facilitates its successful invasion.
Allelochemicals, allelopathy, application, invasive species, Mikania micrantha, phytochemicals, volatile oil
