Brassicas as biofumigant

Brassicas act as a natural biofumigant and can help to control problems such as nematodes, sclerotinia, and excessive weeds. 

The way this works is through the breakdown of glucosinolates into isothiocyanates (ITC). This chemical process affects various plant diseases and organisms depending on their sensitivity levels.  ITC Levels can be increased through cultural practices and crop management.  Sulfur and Nitrogen applications also raise ITC levels in the plants.  The Glucosinolate levels are highest in the brassicas as they mature.  In order to start the chemical process, the plants must be macerated, a flail mower is recommended, to breakdown the cell walls releasing ITC into the soil profile. 

Irrigation is recommended immediately after pulverization to maximize effectiveness. Soil incorporating the pulverized plants prior to irrigation will assist in gaining maximum effectiveness.

All brassicas contain various levels of ITC in their roots and tops. Plant pathogens and microbes exhibit different levels of sensitivity to various species of brassicas. Blend diversity with high biomass production, coupled with proper incorporation of this biomass, insures the most effective biological control of plant pathogens and microbes.

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