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5th World Congress on Allelopathy
"Growing Awareness of the Role of Allelopathy in Ecological, Agricultural, & Environmental Processes"
September 21 - 25, 2008
 Dr. Prasanta Bhowmik, UMass Amherst Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences Professor, had a major role in organizing and running the 5th World Congress on Allelopathy held on September 21-25, 2008 in Saratoga Springs, NY. The Congress was sponsored by the International Allelopathy Society. Dr. Bhowmik helped organize the event, served as Co-Chair of the Program Committee, and was both Congress Secretary and Congress Treasurer. There were 171 participants representing 28 countries. The largest number of participants came from the USA (43), followed by China (29) and Japan (15). The program contained 137 oral presentations and 68 posters. For more information about the Congress proceedings, please go to the 5th World Congress on Allelopathy website.
Allelopathy is the study of biomolecules produced by plants, algae, bacteria, and fungi that influence the growth and development of agricultural and other biological systems. The biomolecules, called allelochemicals, are sometimes produced as secondary metabolites, and can be released into the environment. Once in the environment, the allelochemicals may inhibit the development of neighboring organisms. For example, alleopathy may contribute to the successful establishment and spread of certain weeds. On the other hand, some plants may produce allelochemicals that will prevent an infestation by specific weeds. Allelopathy has been implicated in several other interactive ecosystems as well. Understanding alleopathic interactions and the systems that produce them has great potential implications, especially in terms of agriculture. The importance of Allelopathy is highlighted in the research presented at the 5th World Congress on Allelopathy, and demonstrates the international interest in Allelopathy.
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