Sample handling and analysis of allelochemical compounds in plants

An overview is presented of current methodologies for the determination of allelochemical compounds, and especially the chemical family of benzoxazinones. These compounds are relevant since they are potential substitutes for pesticides in crop protection. Analysis of allelochemicals is usually carried out by LC, LC-MS, LC-MS-MS, CE, GCMS or GC-MS-MS. The advantages and disadvantages of the various chromatographic techniques will be discussed. Since allelochemicals are generally found in plants, foliage and roots, sample preparation strategies are reviewed. This is a critical step since some of these compounds can be hydrolysed during sample preparation and consequently relevant environmental information can be lost. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.