Allelopathic activity of genus Euphorbia

The Euphorbia genus is one of the biggest flowering plant genera. Its various species such as Euphorbia antiquorum, Euphorbia carollata, Euphorbia dentata, Euphorbia dracunculoides, Euphorbia esula, Euphorbia geniculata, Euphorbia granulata, Euphorbia helioscopia, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hierosolymitana, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia microphylla, Euphorbia nerifolia, Euphorbia piluifera, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia royleana, Euphorbia supine, and Euphorbia thiamifolia are extensively used in agriculture. These species exhibit allelopathic activity on cereals, vegetables, oilseeds, forage plants, and oilseeds due to the behavior of secondary metabolites. Among the various plant parts, leaves were reported to be the most toxic. Alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds are all bioactive compounds. The most important agricultural productivity element is the survival of the fittest battle between Euphorbia species and crop plants. Most Euphorbia species are also fungicides, immunosuppressors, or natural insecticides, and they inhibit 10-100 percent of foliage production.