The use of biofumigation in orchards with apple replant disease – a review

Apple replant disease (ARD) is the consequence of replantation of the same or related species of crops. As a result of the occurrence of ARD, the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil deteriorate. It causes considerable economic losses and may significantly reduce fruit production, especially in regions with high density of orchards. It is difficult to indicate an effective method of preventing the consequences of ARD due to the diversity of causative factors. The development of ARD can be effectively limited by chemical fumigation. However, there are numerous limitations to this method because it is a nuisance to the environment. Not only soil pathogens but also the beneficial microflora may be destroyed, especially by broad-spectrum fumigants. Biofumigation, which involves the use of plants with phytosanitary properties, is an environment-friendly alternative. These plants produce potentially bioactive compounds which, apart from their fungicidal effect, also have nematicidal, insecticidal, antiviral, and cytotoxic properties. This article is a review of the results of research on the effects of biofumigation in orchards with ARD. It shows how the plants used for biofumigation, mainly plants of the Brassicaceae, Asteraceae family, reduced the occurrence of biological causes of ARD (fungi and especially nematodes), and promoted the development of beneficial microorganisms in replanted soil. As a result of biofumigation, both physical and biological properties of the soil are improved, and that leads to improvements of vegetative growth of fruit trees and apple trees in a fruit tree nursery.