BRASSICAS AS A ROTATION CROP. POTENTIAL AND PERSPECTIVES

Crop rotation has been one of the approaches that has most improved the efficiency of farming systems around the world as it has the potential to improve soil conditions and increase the productivity of the system. Brassica spp. and related plants have received attention in recent years for its potential use as a rotation crop due to their ability to control soilborne pathogens. The production of sulphur compounds called glucosinolates is the main, although not the only, mechanism behind the reduction of soil pathogens by Brassica spp. These compounds break down to produce isothiocyanates that are toxic to many organisms in the soil, in a process known as biofumigation. In this review, the typical characteristics of Brassica spp. which makes them a valuable option as a rotational crop are discussed, as well as examples and the perspective of its use for this purpose.