Interference between weeds and crop: changes in secondary metabolism

Abstract

Secondary metabolites ensure the survival of plants in adverse situations. Plants change their biochemical constitution from the primary metabolism in response to changes in the environment. The production of secondary metabolites mitigates the effects of stress, allowing the plant development in non-ideal situations. Allelochemical compounds are examples of secondary metabolites produced by plants in situations of interspecific interference. When in competition stress, plants have the ability to release compounds into the environment in order to signal the presence or inhibit the growth of neighboring plants. Secondary metabolism responses of crops resulting from competition with weeds alter the chemical composition of the species, resulting in changes in development and yield. The application of herbicides is also an alteration source in the secondary metabolism by the interruption of routes, either by the accumulation of constituent acids or the formation of unwanted compounds. The current review aims to show the art state of interference relationships between weeds and crops on changes in secondary metabolism.