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Glucosinolates in plant protection strategies: A review

Bohinc Tanja (University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Dept. of Agronomy, Chair of Phytomedicine, Agricultural Engineering, Crop Production, Pasture and Grassland Management, SI- Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Ban Goreta Smiljana (Institute for Adriatic Crops, Split, Croatia)
Ban D. (Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Poreč, Croatia)
Trdan S. (University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Dept. of Agronomy, Chair of Phytomedicine, Agricultural Engineering, Crop Production, Pasture and Grassland Management, SI- Ljubljana, Slovenia)

This review discusses the importance of glucosinolates in plant protection. The Brassicaceae, which are cultivated worldwide, use glucosinolates and their decomposition products to defend themselves against attacks by harmful organisms. The glucosinolate content varies among individual plant species, plant organs and developmental stages. The glucosinolate content in plants is also affected by biotic and abiotic factors, while the type or quantity of glucosinolate determines the susceptibility of the plants to insect pests. These facts can pose a problem when implementing this knowledge in cultivation of the Brassicaceae, especially in regions with moderate climates where Brassicaceae crops are exposed to attacks by a large number of harmful organisms. Under these circumstances, it is essential to research new, or to improve the existing environmentally acceptable methods of protecting Brassicaceae plants against economically important pests.

Keywords: glucosinolates, generalists, specialists, brassicaceae, insecticidal effect, biofumigation method