Biofumigation: An alternative strategy for the control of plant parasitic nematodes

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes wreak havoc on the yield and quality of crops worldwide. Damage from these pests is estimated to exceed US$100 billion annually but is likely higher due to misdiagnosis. Nematode damage may be catastrophic, but historically the solution has been damaging as well. Use of the synthetic nematicide methyl bromide (MBr) poses risks to the environment and to human health. Biofumigation, the use of plant material and naturally produced compounds to control pests, is an increasingly feasible method of pest management. The process acts through the growth or incorporation of plant material into the soil, that, over the course of its degradation, releases glucosinolates that break down into nematotoxic isothiocyanates. These secondary plant metabolites exist naturally in commonly grown plants, most of which belong to the Brassicaceae family. Research endeavors have increasingly explored the potential of biofumigation. The reaction of target pests, the selection of biofumigant, and ideal environments for efficacy continue to be evaluated. This review seeks to provide a cost and benefit assessment of the status of biofumigation for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes as an alternative to conventional methyl bromide usage.

Keywords

• biofumigation
• plant-parasitic nematode
• Brassicaceae
• isothiocyanate
• methyl bromide