In vitro activity of isothiocyanates against Fusarium graminearum

Isothiocyanates are biotoxic degradation products formed as a result of enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolates present in Brassica species. The application of biofumigant Brassica crops, as an alternative crop protection method for soilborne pathogens and pests is increasingly gaining interest. However, little is known of the potential of biofumigation to reduce the inoculum of Fusarium species affecting cereals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of five isothiocyanates, namely allyl, benzyl, ethyl, 2-phenylethyl and methyl isothiocyanates, against germination and growth of Fusarium graminearum under in vitro conditions. Aromatic isothiocyanates were more inhibitory than the aliphatic isothiocyanates against mycelial growth, whereas the reverse was observed for conidial germination. Among the tested isothiocyanates, allyl and methyl isothiocyanates were more efficient overall, showing lower ED₅₀ values (35–150 mg/L) for conidial germination and mycelial radial growth. The findings suggest that Brassica plants containing allyl and methyl glucosinolates could have a suppressive effect, reducing the inoculum of F. graminearum in soil prior to cereal production.