Enhancing Greenhouse Tomato-Crop Productivity by Using Brassica macrocarpa Guss. Leaves for Controlling Root-Knot Nematodes

Abstract

Tomato crops are affected in Mediterranean cold-greenhouse agrosystems by soilborne diseases, such as root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), which represent a serious problem leading to losses in production. Agroecological soil management based on biocontrol agents and natural compounds has had increased grower interest in order to reduce chemical residues in the produce and to adopt environmentally friendly farming methods. In this frame, we evaluate and validate soil biofumigation by the use of glucosinolate (GLS) compounds. Among them, sinigrin showed biocontrol activities against several pests and diseases via nematotoxic action. Among the Brassicaceae species rich in sinigrin, we chose Brassica macrocarpa Guss. (BM) because its leaves show 90% of all GLSs, and we could better estimate the action of this single GLS. Different dosages of BM leaf flour, containing 200 to 300, 350, 400, 450, and 650 μmol m−2 of sinigrin, were inserted into soil already infected by Meloidogyne spp. for evaluating their effects on tomatoes grown in cold greenhouses in comparison to absolute control (CTRL) and to the chemical one, Vydate 5G® (CCTRL). The root disease index, caused by nematode attack, was the highest in CTRL, and a reduction of about 50% was observed with the 300 to 650 μmol m−2 sinigrin dosage. The CCTRL showed twofold marketable yield increase, and a fourfold increase was found in 650 μmol m−2 of sinigrin dosage, in comparison to the CTRL. Biofumigant applications improved tomato plant growth and development, and fruit quality, significantly for dry matter and soluble sugars (°Brix). BM leaf flour inserted into the soil, at a dose of 300 μmol m−2 of sinigrin, showed similar effects to the CCTRL on root disease index, root weight, and marketable yield. Data showed the nematotoxic effect of sinigrin for the biocontrol of Meloydogine spp. by the use of B. macrocarpa leaves, very rich in this GLS compound, which represents a new tool for agroecological soil management and for organic farming.

Functional Ingredients From Brassicaceae Species: Overview and Perspectives

“…One of the most striking features of this botanical family is the presence of several kinds of secondary metabolites with a distinctive taste, and also interesting bioactivities. The most deeply studied are the glucosinolates (GSL) and their breakdown products, isothiocyanates and indoles [5][6][7]. Moreover, these species are also rich and possess unique profiles of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and other groups of less studied compounds such as phytoalexins, terpenes, phytosteroids, and tocopherols, here reviewed.…”

The value of bioactive compounds of cruciferous vegetables (Brassica) as antimicrobials and antioxidants: A review

“…These metabolites synthesized particularly by each species are the responsible for providing a unic and distinctive taste, and also, many interesting and beneficial bioactivities for regular consumers of these crops. The main phytochemical compounds include several kinds including phenolics, polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein, and β‐carotene), alkaloids, phytosterols chlorophyll, glucosinolates (isothiocyanates, indoles) (Argento, Melilli, & Branca, 2019), terpenoids, and glucosides, among other less studied compounds such as phytosteroids, phytoalexins, terpenes, and tocopherols (Nawaz, Shad, & Muzaffar, 2018; Ramirez et al., 2020; Šamec & Salopek‐Sondi, 2019).…”

Sustainable Use of Bioactive Compounds from Solanum Tuberosum and Brassicaceae Wastes and by-Products for Crop Protection—A Review

“…In Table 2 , the experimental evidence mainly reported in the last 10 years of literature about the molecular system of Brassicaceae involving GHPs released by the GSL/myrosinase system, including a clearly or tentatively defined GSL concentration in experimental trials and the plant pathogens involved in the studies, is summarized. Table 2 [ 160 , 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 , 166 , 167 , 168 , 169 , 170 , 171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 , 176 , 177 ] shows the growing and keen interest for biofumigation applications, particularly as regards plant protection against nematodes, fungi, pseudofungi, and some arthropoda. Nevertheless, soil organic matter addition through plant-based products should be carefully evaluated.…”