allelopathy

American  

[uh-lee-lop-uh-thee, al-uh-lop-] / ə liˈlɒp ə θi, ˌæl əˈlɒp- /

noun

Botany.

1. suppression of growth of a plant by a toxin released from a nearby plant of the same or another species.

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allelopathy British  

/ ˌælɪˈlɒpəθɪ /

noun

1. the inhibitory effect of one living plant upon another by the release of toxic substances

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allelopathy Scientific  

/ ə-lē-lŏp′ə-thē,ăl′ə- /

1. The inhibition of growth in one plant species by chemicals produced by another. For example, other plants will often not grow underneath black walnut trees, since these trees produce juglone, a chemical inhibiting plant respiration.

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Other Word Forms

• allelopathic adjective

Etymology

Origin of allelopathy

1940–45; < French allélopathie; allele, -pathy

Example Sentences

They stymie other shade plants in the immediate neighborhood through the process of allelopathy, the release of compounds that inhibit plant growth.

From New York Times

Students have independently sought out information on the resources for which plants compete, rhizobia symbioses, allelopathy, or the need for mineral nutrients.

From Science Magazine