Biofumigation im ökologischen Kartoffelanbau: Effekte auf Knollenertrag, Blattnekrosen und Unkrautwachstum

Summary

Biofumigation is discussed as a potential method of securing tuber yields in organic potato production. Brassicaceae with high contents of glucosinolates are cultivated as cover crops and incorporated into the soil to support the development of isothiocyanates. A pot experiment with soil from two biofumigation field trials was conducted to test biofumigation effects on potato tuber yields, potato leaf necrosis and weed growth. In the field trials different cover crops (Vicia sativa, Raphanus sativus and Brassica rapa) and a control without any cover crop were incorporated into the soil in autumn or spring. Before incorporation in spring soil of the field plots was taken to pots together with one potato tuber. Common cover crop effects could be observed, but no specific biofumigation effects. The potential of biofumigation to secure tuber yields in organic potato production currently seems to be limited.