Biofumigation: A Promising Approach for Soil Borne Plant Disease Management

Biofumigation involves the management of soil borne pathogens, pests, nematodes and weeds through the incorporation of certain plant residues releasing volatile biocidal products during their hydrolysis. Selected Brassicacea and non Brassicacea members are used for the management of plant pathogens. In addition to disease suppression, it also provides extra benefits including addition of organic matter to soil, improved aeration and increased water holding capacity of the soil. Biofumigant crops can be applied as fresh tissue, seed meals, pellets or liquid formulations. The present review details the importance of biofumigation, mode of action of hydrolysis products on plant pathogens, mode of application of biofumigants, their compatibility with bioagents and their effect on other soil microorganisms.