Evaluation of fermentation methods for Brassicaceae leaves with bionematicidal potential

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/vqvmkf75

Keywords:

horticultural residues, isothiocyanates, lactic acid bacteria, cellulases, nematicide

Abstract

Introduction. In broccoli cultivation (Brassica oleracea var. italica, family Brassicaceae), leaves constitute a by-product with a high content of glucosinolates, the precursors of isothiocyanates (ITC) with potential nematicidal activity. Fermentation can promote ITC formation; however, information comparing the effects of different fermentative methods is limited. Objective. To evaluate different fermentation methods for broccoli leaves in order to determine which is the most efficient for ITC production, as an indicator of the nematicidal potential of the fermented materials.. Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out at the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ángel Gallardo, Santa Fe, Argentina, between October 2018 and February 2019.Broccoli leaves were collected, ground, and subjected to spontaneous fermentation at 15 and 25 °C, and to lactic, enzymatic, and mixed fermentations at 25 °C. Each fermentation lasted 55 hours, with sampling every 6 hours for ITC and pH analysis. ITCs were analyzed following extraction with 75% ethanol (1:1, w/v), followed by centrifugation.. Quantification was performed by spectrophotometry at 460 nm using ferric nitrate and a calibration curve (6-30 mg/L) prepared with sodium thiocyanate standards. Results. Spontaneous fermentation exhibited similar behavior at 15 and 25 °C, with greater ITC stability during the first 19-25 hours, coinciding with pH values between 5.0 and 6.0. Assisted fermentations did not increase ITC concentrations compared with spontaneous fermentation (p > 0.05), despite greater medium acidification. Conclusions. Spontaneous fermentation at ambient temperature for 19-20 hours was identified as the simplest and most cost-effective approach for producing fermented materials with potential bionematicidal activity for nematode management, achieving ITC concentrations comparable to those obtained with assisted fermentation methods while maximizing the period of ITC stability.

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Published

07-08-2026

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How to Cite

Giacomino, N. C., Bergia, B., Franzi, D. C., Del Valle, E. E., & Aimaretti, N. R. (2026). Evaluation of fermentation methods for Brassicaceae leaves with bionematicidal potential. Agronomía Mesoamericana, vqvmkf75. https://doi.org/10.15517/vqvmkf75