A multiphasic approach to evaluating the effects of biofumigation for management of wilt in strawberries

Abstract: The use of isothiocyanate-releasing plant materials has been proposed as a method for replacing methyl bromide for reduction of inoculum densities of Verticillium dahliae, causal agent of wilt in strawberry. We have documented reductions in numbers of V. dahliae propagules in both microcosm tests and in the field. In addition to the benefits of reduced pathogen inoculum, we are evaluating non-target affects of the strategy in the field: plant health and yield; changes in functional and taxonomic community profiles in both bulk and rhizosphere soils; changes in culturable bacterial and fungal populations (both taxonomic and functional); and colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Preliminary data will be presented for each of these indicators.