Brassicaceae Isothiocyanate-Mediated Alleviation of Soil-Borne Diseases

Abstract

Soil-borne diseases lead to high risk in crop production by diminishing the productivity and general health of the affected plants. Brassica plants are known to produce glucosinolates, which, upon decomposition, release bioactive isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs have attracted attention because of their biofumigation properties, effectively suppressing soil-borne pathogens and pests, promising natural solutions for managing soil-borne diseases. ITCs produced by Brassica plants or seed meal additives to soil have the ability to reduce soil-borne pests and diseases while increasing beneficial soil microbiota. Several researchers have indicated that ITCs can interfere with the life cycles of soil-borne pathogens and, at the same time, strengthen plant defense systems, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option than chemical pesticides. The breakdown of Brassica biomass has also been shown to stimulate beneficial microbial communities, which play a key role in nutrient availability and pathogen suppression. Studies indicate that this process enhances the availability of essential nutrients like sulfur and nitrogen in the soil, both of which are critical for plant growth and development. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the role of Brassica ITCs in mitigating soil-borne diseases. We aim to consolidate current knowledge on ITC-mediated biofumigation, recommend strategies for enhancing its efficiency in practical applications, and highlight the need for future research to optimize its long-term effectiveness in sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Brassicaceae; biofumigation; isothiocyanates; soil-borne pathogens; sustainable agriculture.

Figure 1

Biofumigation techniques used for mineralization of soil and degradation of soil pathogens.

Figure 2

Products of glucosinolate breakdown by myrosinase.