L-kanawanina – niebiałkowy aminokwas toksyczny dla zwierząt i roślin

Allelopathy describes plant-plant interaction by chemicals released into environment. In most cases negative effect of allelochemicals is detected due to their toxicity. L- canavanine belongs to the group of non-protein amino acids, and is known as antimetabolite of L-arginine. L-canavanine is synthesized in legumes. It functions as a putative source of nitrogen, and is famous for its insecticidal activity. The work summarizes the current knowledge on the role of L-canavanine in plant metabolism and their impact on growth and development of plants. A special attention was pointed also on L-canavanine in plant-herbivore interaction.