Evaluation of allyl isothiocyanate as a soil fumigant against soil-borne diseases in commercial tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production in China

BACKGROUNDRoot-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), soil-borne diseases and weeds seriously reduce the commercial yield of tomatoes grown under protected cultivation in China. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a natural product obtained from damaged Brassica tissues, was evaluated as a potential replacement for the fumigant methyl bromide (MB) for use in the greenhouse production of tomatoes in China. RESULTSThe dose-response assay indicates that AITC has high biological activity against major bacterial and fungal pathogens (EC50 of 0.225-4.199mgL(-1)). The bioassay results indicate that AITC has good efficacy against root-knot nematodes (LC50 of 18.046mgkg(-1)), and moderate efficacy against fungal pathogens (LC50 of 27.999-29.497mgkg(-1)) and weeds (LC50 of 17.300-47.660mgkg(-1)). The potting test indicates that AITC significantly improved plant vigor. Field trials indicate that AITC showed good efficacy against Meloidogyne spp. and Fusarium spp. (both approximate to 80%) as well as Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. (both approximate to 70%), and improved plant vigor and marketable yield. CONCLUSIONAITC used as a soil fumigant (30-50gm(-2)) effectively controlled major bacterial and fungal pathogens, root-knot nematode, weeds and increased plant vigor, yield and farmers' income in tomato cultivated under protected agriculture in China. (c) 2018 Society of Chemical Industry