Plant growth inhibitors: allelopathic role or phytotoxic effects? Focus on Mediterranean biomes

Allelopathy (the chemical based communication among plants) is gaining more and more attention thanks to its likely outcomes in several fields, but it is, in the meantime, a questionable topic, due to a difficult determination. Despite the broad literature, allelopathic interactions are far from being clarified. Conclusive evidence in this field is not a simple find, as this biological activity is governed by a number of different factors. Such an issue can be solved only provided that suitable methods are used. Understanding allelopathy in natural ecosystems may be crucial in order to think about the exploitation of this resource. Mediterranean plants, in particular, have been proven to be a source of natural active compounds. This paper reviews the most outstanding methods used for plant extract or pure metabolite phytotoxic or allelopathic properties determination. Furthermore, it points out the bioactive metabolites reported from plants characteristics of Mediterranean ecosystems. © Springer Science+Business Media 2013.