During the last decades, many allelopathy research groups have been formed, worldwide. As part of this trend, Brazil has published a large number of scientific articles in national and international periodicals. Allelopathy, a relatively new science, is in its first stage of development; thus, a proliferation of often not very sound techniques has occurred. The use of such techniques makes it difficult to interpret the results, their biological value and real meaning. Procedures must become more uniform, as the importance of allelopathy increases. Thus, this work has critically revised the bioassay protocols used to characterize the allelopathic properties of crude extracts and pure substances, presenting the strong points and limitations of each procedure, as well.
bioassays; germination; growth; synergisms; seeds
