ISHS Acta Horticulturae 532: International Symposium on Chemical and Non-Chemical Soil and Substrate Disinfectation
THE GLUCOSINOLATE-MYROSINASE SYSTEM: A NATURAL AND PRACTICAL TOOL FOR BIOFUMIGATION |
| Authors: | L. Lazzeri, L.M. Manici |
| Keywords: | Brassicaceae, Brassica juncea, Pythium spp., green manure, soil-borne fungi |
| Abstract:
The glucosinolate-myrosinase system, typical of the Brassicaceae family, may provide a natural alternative for controlling some soil borne pathogens. In vitro, the fungitoxic activity of pure glucosinolates enzymatic degradation products varies widely on poisoned media and in vapour phase, depending on their side chain chemical and physical characteristics. In recent years, we have selected some autumn-sown Brassicaceae characterised by a good biomass yield and high amount of GLs with degradation products showing a high fungitoxic activity. These selections should be recommended for use as biocidal green manure to achieve soil biofumigation. A green manure simulation was performed with these Brassicaceae selections at realistic field rates in pots on naturally infected soil. The effect on Pythium spp. and total fungi was compared with that of Pigeon bean (Vicia faba var. minor) a widely used cover crop that does not contain glucosinolates. Pythium spp. increased in soil amended with fresh Pigeon bean tissues, while it was significantly reduced by the biocidal green manure. At the same time, all green manure determined a strong overall increase in micoflora. These results suggest the possibility for biocidal green manure of controlling some soil-borne pathogens and at the same time improving the soil microbial biomass. | |
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