Glucosinolate and Isothiocyanate Production for Weed Control in Plasticulture Production System

Abstract

Brassicaceae cover crops have been studied as biofumigant crops for weed and other soilborne pest control in plasticulture production, especially in the absence of the commercial fumigant methyl bromide (MeBr). Brassicaceae species synthesize a variety of secondary compounds known as glucosinolates (GSLs), which upon hydrolysis are converted into biologically active compounds known as isothiocyanates (ITCs). These ITCs are volatile compounds and therefore can be used for soil fumigation. However, Brassicaceae crops are rarely comparable to MeBr in terms of weed control, partially because of low and inconsistent ITC production and weed control, especially poor efficacy on nutsedge species. This chapter compares the biofumigation potential of various Brassicaceae cover crops and discusses the factors affecting the weed control from biofumigation in plasticulture production. In addition, this chapter describes the successful integration of synthetic ITCs and plastic mulches for weed control in commercial plasticulture production.