species through the release of allelochemicals into the environment. This natural phenomenon, known as allelopathy [2], provides these plants with a significant evolutionary advantage. Allelichemicals (prevalently phenolics, terpenoids, and nitrogen-containing compounds [3; 4; 5; 6]) are very diverse in their chemical nature, which allows them to target the same physiological processes in competing species through different molecular approaches and mechanisms. Plants can release such phytochemicals into their environment through various mechanisms, including root exudation, leaching, volatilization, and decomposition of plant residues. These processes facilitate the transfer of allelochemicals into the surrounding soil, water, and air, where they can influence the growth and development of neighboring plants and/or microorganisms [7]. Different cellular processes, such as the alteration of cellular micro- and ultra-structure, disruption of cell division and elongation, and alteration of membrane permeability and the antioxidant system, are often targeted by various allelochemicals. From a broader perspective, it could be said that allelochemicals affect all major physiological processes in plants such as growth, photosynthesis, respiration, hormone homeostasis, uptake of ions, metabolism, and the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids [8; 9]. The highly diverse mechanisms of action that allelochemicals employ to influence key physiological processes in competing species can be leveraged for the development of bioherbicides with novel modes of action, addressing various challenges in conventional agricultural practices [10; 11]. In the era of widespread reliance on synthetic herbicides, the environmental consequences are becoming increasingly apparent, including soil and water contamination and broader ecological degradation. As a result, there is a growing need for sustainable alternatives that minimize environmental harm and reduce synthetic herbicide dependency [12; 13]. The development of bioherbicides mostly relies on the utilization of living organisms or natural metabolites produced during their growth and development [14]. The bioherbicide market has been developing since 1981, mainly using microbial ingredients [15]. However, limited markets and technical difficulties associated with mass production were the two main reasons that reduced the commercialization of such bioherbicides [15; 16; 17; 18]. In 2016, only thirteen bioherbicides were registered, of which nine were of mycological origin, three of bacteriological origin, and only one of plant origin [19]. More recently, attempts to derive bioherbicides from some viruses have also been reported [20]. Of all biopesticides approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency, only 7% are bioherbicides [21]. As scientific progress continues in addressing the weed problem, the definition of the term 'bioherbicide', which once included only living microorganisms and their products, is evolving. It is now known that phytochemicals, such as allelochemicals and their synthetic derivatives, can be used as active ingredients in bioherbicides or botanical-based synthetic herbicides [22]. However, obtaining plant-derived bioherbicides is a challenging endeavor. Analyzing the chemical composition of released allelochemicals or crude extracts from allelopathic species may reveal new compounds with phytotoxic effects. Research into their mode of action is the crucial first step in evaluating them as potential bioherbicides. Furthermore, allelochemicals can be used as a foundation for synthesizing synthetic derivatives with enhanced phytotoxicity or stability, making them suitable as botanical-based synthetic herbicides or key components of herbicidal formulations. However, the production of bioherbicides on a commercial scale is hampered by numerous issues concerning stability, formulation, environmental impact, weed resistance, regulatory approvals, cost-effectiveness, and scalability [23].