Unveiling the multifaceted roles of root exudates: chemical interactions, allelopathy, and agricultural applications

Root exudates, compounds secreted by plant roots, play a crucial role in plant–soil interactions and have significant agricultural implications. These substances influence nutrient availability, plant growth, and the surrounding rhizosphere. This review examines the composition, mechanisms, and importance of root exudates, categorizing them as diffusates, secretions, and excretions, each with specific release methods and functions. It highlights the allelopathic effects of root exudates, showing how plants use them to inhibit competitors through chemical signals and nutrient changes. Case studies on crops such as wheat and rice demonstrate the practical relevance of root exudates in agriculture. This review emphasizes the need to understand root exudates to improve sustainable farming and weed control strategies.