Biofumigation with Brassica species and their derivatives : a comprehensive review of an innovative pest control strategy targeting wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Batistič, Luka (author), Bohinc, Tanja (author), Trdan, Stanislav (author)

Biofumigation is an eco-friendly agronomic technique that utilizes bioactive compounds from Brassica species to manage soil-borne pests. In our review, we explore it as a sustainable alternative to chemical fumigation, focusing on its potential for controlling wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae). By analyzing existing studies, we assess the efficacy of biofumigation using Brassica plants, with a detailed focus on Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. (Indian mustard) and Brassica carinata A. Braun (Ethiopian mustard), which are rich in glucosinolates (Glns). We also examine glucosinolate decomposition mechanisms, where enzymatic hydrolysis releases isothiocyanates (IsoTs) and other bioactive compounds with pesticidal properties. Our review synthesizes findings from laboratory bioassays, semi-field experiments, and long-term field trials to evaluate the impact of these biofumigants on wireworms, soil health, and broader pest management strategies. Additionally, we discuss how biofumigation may disrupt wireworm feeding behavior while improving soil structure and microbial activity. Despite its promise, several challenges may influence the effectiveness and adoption of biofumigation, including the variability in field efficacy, soil interactions, and barriers to large-scale adoption. We emphasize the need for future research to refine biofumigation applications, enhance IsoT stability, and integrate this method with other pest control strategies to ensure its sustainability in wireworm management.

• Language: English
• Keywords: biofumigation, Brassica juncea, Brassica carinata, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, wireworms, Elateridae, sustainable pest management, soil health
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.02 - Review Article
• Organization: BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 19 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 15, iss. 4, art. no. 967
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-168571
• UDC: 632
• ISSN on article: 2073-4395
• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15040967
• COBISS.SI-ID: 233121539
• Publication date in RUL: 17.04.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Agronomy
• Shortened title: Agronomy
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• ISSN: 2073-4395
• COBISS.SI-ID: 522953241

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: biofumigacija, trajnostno zatiranje škodljivcev, strune, Brassica

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: L4-4554
• Name: Preučevanje sinergizma med različnimi okoljsko sprejemljivimi načini zatiranja škodljivcev poljščin in vrtnin

• Funder: Other - Other funder or multiple funders
• Funding programme: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food of the Republic of Slovenia