Biofumigation: a new strategy for disease management in organic farming system

Soil borne diseases are very difficult to control, traditionally chemical soil fumigants were used to manage them but they are harmful to the environment and human health. For the management of soil borne diseases in organic production system use of various eco-friendly methods viz. green manures, mulches, organic amendments and composts etc. was recommended and practiced. In this context biofumigation is a new concept, which is gaining attention of the researchers and shown some potential in management of soil borne disease in Europe and Australia. Biofumigation is an agronomic technique that makes use of some plants' defensive systems and biofumigant plants are mainly Brassicas. It is an eco-friendly process and important strategy of disease management in organic production system in the developed countries. The present review was prepared in an effort to compile different research works conducted worldwide regarding various aspects of biofumigation.