Association of pre-pregnancy abnormal glucose metabolism and insulin resistance with assisted reproductive technology outcomes and pregnancy complications in women with PCOS: a retrospective propensit

Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon wherein certain plants release bioactive chemicals, known as allelochemicals, into their environment. These substances have the potential to influence a wide range of physiological processes in neighboring plant species, affecting their germination, growth, and reproductive success. Historically recognized and utilized in traditional agriculture, allelopathy has gained renewed attention in modern crop management due to the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. As synthetic herbicides and other chemical inputs face growing scrutiny over environmental and public health concerns, understanding allelopathic interactions offers a promising avenue for developing natural and less invasive strategies for weed control and crop enhancement. Among cereal crops, maize () stands out as one of the most important globally, serving as a key source of food for humans, animal feed, and industrial raw materials. Due to its high yield potential, nutritional value, and adaptability, maize production has a direct impact on global food security and economic stability. However, like many crops, maize productivity is often compromised by the presence of weeds. Weeds not only compete with crops for vital resources—such as nutrients, water, sunlight, and space—but can also exert allelopathic pressures, thereby intensifying their harmful impact. Numerous weed species are known to produce allelochemicals that can inhibit crop growth and development, yet our understanding remains limited regarding how specific, commonly encountered weeds influence maize physiology through allelopathy, particularly under realistic field conditions rather than in controlled laboratory setups). While several studies have focused on direct competition between weeds and crops, fewer have examined the subtler yet potentially more insidious effects of allelochemicals on maize growth parameters. These knowledge gaps hinder the development of integrated weed management strategies that optimize resource use efficiency, reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, and maintain ecological balance.