Bioactive constituents and allelopathic activities of the invasive weed Ranunculus sceleratus L. Nile Delta, Egypt

Allelopathy is the biochemical interactions between plants that results from the activity of different phytochemicals synthesized by higher plants. Many plants show pronounced allelopathic activity [1-4] due to their capability to synthesize variable allelochemicals that release into the environment by leaching from leaves, degradation of plant residues, volatilization and root exudation [5] and could influence the life of some surrounding plants and animals [6]. There are several classes of allelochemicals include phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and steroids [7]. Such allelochemicals influence plant growth and development and could be used to reduce weed pathogens and enhance crops yield [8].