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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #88600

Title: GLUCOSINOLATES AS NATURAL PESTICIDES

Author
item Vaughn, Steven

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Glucosinolates are a group of secondary compounds produced by members of the Brassicaceae (the crucifer or mustard family) and at least 10 other dicotyledonous plant families. Glucosinolates are enzymatically hydrolyzed by thioglucosidase glucohydrolase to form substituted isothiocyanates, nitriles, and thiocyanates. Glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products have long been of pharmacological and toxicological interest and are primarily responsible for the characteristic odors and flavors of cruciferous plants. Due to the potential loss of soil fumigants such as methyl bromide, the use of glucosinolate-containing plants as green manures or soil amendments to suppress weeds and soilborne pathogens is currently an area of active research. This article reviews research on the pesticidal activity of glucosinolates and their degradation products.