Biosolarization Fails to combat Virulent Tomato and Cucumber viruses, new Study Finds
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A new study reveals that common soil treatment methods – biosolarization and biofumigation – are ineffective against two devastating plant viruses, raising concerns for greenhouse crop production.
Researchers at the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (Ifapa) in Almería, Spain, have steadfast that neither technique sufficiently inactivates the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and the Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). These tobamoviruses represent a meaningful threat to tomato and cucurbit crops globally.
The Promise and Peril of Soil Biosolarization
Soil biosolarization, a chemical-free choice to soil fumigants, has long been favored in Mediterranean greenhouse horticulture. Previous research demonstrated its success in controlling fungal pathogens and parasitic nematodes using crop residues as a biofumigant material. However, this latest investigation casts doubt on its efficacy against viral threats.
“The results revealed that even 60-day biosolarization periods failed to reduce the transmission capacity of ToBRFV or CGMMV,” a senior researcher stated.Both viruses remained fully active, manifesting in visible symptoms and high viral loads in subsequent plantings. This finding underscores a critical vulnerability in current integrated pest and disease management strategies.
The study highlights the substantial risk of viral contamination when utilizing biosolarization or biofumigation wiht residues from virus-infected crops. This is particularly concerning given the widespread prevalence of tobrfv and CGMMV, which can cause significant yield losses and economic hardship for growers.
The research, conducted by the Phytopathology team within Ifapa’s Enduring Plant Protection Area at the La Mojonera center, emphasizes the need for more robust preventative measures. Growers must carefully consider the source of their biofumigant materials to avoid inadvertently perpetuating viral cycles.
Implications for Greenhouse Crop Management
The findings, published in the scientific journal Scientia Horticulturae as part of the Ifapa project “Integrated pest management for greenhouse crops, including soil health challenges,” co-funded by FEDER, have significant implications for the future of greenhouse agriculture. The full article is available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423825002444?via%3Dihub.
The study serves as a crucial reminder that while biosolarization and biofumigation offer benefits for certain soilborne diseases, they are not a panacea. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for mitigating the spread of these highly persistent viruses, protecting vital food crops and ensuring the sustainability of greenhouse production. For more information, contact IFAPA at[email
