What is the term for when one plant species produces chemical toxins that inhibit other species?

The term for when one plant species produces chemical toxins that inhibit the growth or development of other species is allelopathy. This phenomenon plays a significant role in plant interactions and ecological dynamics. Allelopathy occurs when a plant releases these chemical compounds into the environment, which can negatively affect the germination, growth, or survival of surrounding plants. This adaptation can help the allelopathic plant reduce competition for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, ultimately giving it an advantage in its habitat.

In contrast, commensalism describes a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. Mutualism involves interactions where both species benefit from the relationship. Competition refers to the struggle between plants (or other species) for limited resources, which can occur without the direct production of toxins. Allelopathy is specifically focused on the chemical interactions that inhibit or deter the growth of other plants, making it a distinct concept within these ecological relationships.