When tissue is damaged, myrosinase, normally isolated from GSLs, is released and catalyzes GSLs into the volatile isothiocyanates. These pungent chemicals have been shown to control numerous pests in laboratory experiments. The effect of Indian mustard volatiles on mycelial growth of S. rolfsii, the causative agent of Southern blight, was demonstrated in a laboratory experiment. Freeze-dried Indian mustard was reconstituted in a glass jar. A petri plate containing a hyphal plug of S. rolfsii was inverted over the mouth of the jar.
Field trials are currently underway.
With the ban of methyl bromide approaching, growers need an alternative control method for soilborne pathogens. Without a method of control, losses to disease may prove growing economically infeasible. Biofumigation with Indian mustard and other Brassica sp. may provide growers with an affordable, environmentally safe alternative to replace methyl bromide. Ms. Harvey is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and is under the supervisor of Dr. Carl E. Sams .