Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Roles in Allelopathic Plant–Plant Interactions

Allelopathy, the production and release of bioactive compounds by living organisms, is a common feature in plants, influencing the well-being and survival of surrounding organisms. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450) plays a crucial role in the regulation of allelochemicals in various crops, mediating crop-crop and crop-weed interactions. This chapter explores the mechanism of allelopathy in crops, highlighting the involvement of CYP450s in the synthesis and production of allelochemicals, such as sorgoleone, benzoxazinones, and momilactones, in crops like sorghum, wheat, and rice. The role of CYP450s in crop–crop interactions, particularly in rice, and crop-weed interactions is also discussed. Furthermore, the potential of harnessing allelochemicals as agents of chemical warfare using CYP450s as a biotechnological tool to develop host plant resistance in crops is highlighted. This approach could contribute to more sustainable agriculture, reducing the reliance on chemical herbicides and pesticides and providing a novel strategy for weed control and crop protection.