1. Plural of allelopathy; the biochemical suppression of the growth of one plant species by another through the release of toxic compounds into the soil or environment.
Usage: biology; ecology; technical

Examples

• The allelopathies exhibited by black walnut trees prevent many plants from growing nearby.
• Scientists study allelopathies to understand competitive interactions in plant communities.
• Certain weeds use allelopathies to inhibit the growth of crop plants.
• The allelopathies of eucalyptus trees can significantly alter the composition of understory vegetation.
• Researchers are investigating allelopathies as a natural method for weed control in agriculture.