In vitro nematicidal efficacy of brassica-derived isothiocyanates against the root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans

Summary Brassica plants naturally produce glucosinolates as secondary metabolites hydrolysed to biocidal isothiocyanates (ITCs). As such, they have the potential for nematode management through a strategy known as biofumigation. Pratylenchus penetrans causes significant yield losses in many important crops. Understanding the relative impact of different ITCs on the motility and mortality of this nematode species could provide some insights into the selection of relevant brassica biofumigants. The effects of 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 μ g ml −1 of pure Allyl, 2-Phenylethyl and Benzyl ITCs on the motility and mortality of P. penetrans were evaluated in laboratory in vitro assays. Motility was assessed after incubating the nematodes in ITCs for 24, 48 and 72 h with distilled water as a negative control. Motile and non-motile nematodes were counted. After motility assessment at 72 h, nematodes were rinsed and incubated in water for 48 h, after which live and dead nematodes were counted. Nematodes were considered dead if they remained non-motile after probing with a picking needle. Nematode motility and mortality were significantly affected by the type of ITC, concentration and time of exposure. The number of non-motile nematodes increased with increasing concentration and time of exposure across all tested ITCs. The ED 50 values (concentration required to cause 50% non-motility) of Allyl, 2-Phenylethyl and Benzyl were 37.4, 12.8 and 8.6 μ g ml −1 after 24 h exposure. The ITC with potentially the greatest nematicidal effect was Benzyl (LD 50 = 3.2 μ g ml −1 ), followed by 2-Phenylethyl (LD 50 = 5.2 μ g ml −1 ), and Allyl (LD 50 = 9.9 μ g ml −1 ). The LD 50 of all ITCs were not different from the ED 50 after 72 h, meaning the effects of ITCs could be considered irreversible. This study suggests that brassica biofumigants that produce Benzyl, Allyl and 2-Phenylethyl ITCs are promising candidates for biofumigation of P. penetrans .