Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences
J. Anim. Plant Sci. [ISSN 2071 - 7024]
Volume 14(3): 1996 -2005. Published July 30, 2012.
Biofumigation for crop protection: potential for adoption in Zimbabwe
Review Paper
Charles Karavina* and Ronald Mandumbu
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE), Bindura, Zimbabwe.
*Corresponding Author: ckaravina@gmail.com ; ckaravina@buse.ac.zw Mobile: +263 772 335 845
Key Words: Biofumigation, methyl bromide, brassicas, isothiocyanates, adoption.
SUMMARY
Biofumigation is the practice of using volatile chemicals released from decomposing plant material to suppress soil pathogens, insects and germinating weed seeds. Brassicas are mainly used for biofumigation, but plants in the Moringaceae, Salvadoraceae and Tropaeolaceae families also have biofumigant properties. The decomposition of the plant tissues in these families releases isothiocyanates which are biocidal. Plants have different profiles of isothiocyanates, and stressing the plants increases the amount of isothiocyanates produced by plants. Biofumigation has been used as an alternative to methyl bromide and other synthetic pesticides in horticulture and agriculture in general. It has also been used to reclaim soils contaminated with heavy metals. It is eco-friendly and adds organic matter to the soil. There is potential for this technique to be adopted in Zimbabwe by tobacco and horticulture farmers involved in organic farming and as a stored pest management technique. However, there is need for local research into brassicas that can be used for biofumigation. There is need also to research on methods of incorporating the biofumigant plants into the soil. Breeding for brassicas with high isothiocyanates content also has to be done. There should also be effort to educate farmers about biofumigtion since most farmers are not aware of this technique.
FULL PAPER [PDF AVAILABLE HERE ]
