Prospects of cabbage leaf debris use in the control of Fusarium wilt of pepper

In intensive agricultural production with narrow rotations, Fusarium oxysporum, a plant pathogen
\ncausing wilt disease of pepper, frequently reaches high density in soil, thus threatening production
\nprofitability. Reducing inoculum level below the critical threshold is very demanding
\nbecause of extremely hardly resting, long-lasting chlamydospores. Soil disinfection with methyl
\nbromide was the most effective way to control this pathogen for many years. However, the ban of
\nmethyl bromide use increased the interest in control alternatives. Many studies have shown that
\nglucosinolates, biologically active secondary metabolites of Brassicaceae family of plants, and their
\nderived products negatively affect plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi, insects, nematodes, and
\nweeds. The glucosinolates occur in plants simultaneously with an endogenous β-thioglucosidase
\nenzyme that is responsible, after tissue disruption (e.g. cut, ground or chewed), for the hydrolysis
\nof glucosinolates into numerous biologically active products. The aim of this research was to estimate
\nthe prospects of cabbage leaf debris use in the control of Fusarium wilt of pepper. Fresh
\ncabbage leaves were blended and incorporated in sterile substrate 7 days before inoculation of
\npepper plants at 5-7-leaf stage. Conventional fungicide captan and biofungicide based on Trichoderma
\nasperellum were used for comparison. The assessment was performed 25 days after inoculation;
\nthe degree of wilting, plant growth parameters and the length of necrosis were determined.
\nFresh cabbage leaves were highly effective in Fusarium wilt control (91.3% compared to control),
\nindicating a great potential for their use in the Fusarium wilt management.