Mustard Seeds, Biofumigant
The overuse of chemical fumigants damages soil health by killing beneficial microbes and can become less effective over time. Caliente Brand Biofumigants offer a natural alternative that reduces or replaces chemical fumigants while restoring soil health. These green manure biofumigants work because they contain high levels of the glucosinolate Sinigrin. When the growing mustard is chopped and incorporated, the glucosinolate reacts with the enzyme Myrosinase to produce the volatile gas Allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) that suppresses soil pests and diseases. Not all green manures work as biofumigants; they must contain the proper levels of glucosinolates and be managed appropriately for the best results. Caliente Brand biofumigant crops are used globally in both organic and conventional systems to control diseases, insects, weeds, and soil-borne pests.
Harris Seeds offers the following Caliente Brand Biofumigant varieties:
Caliente 119: most adaptable, fast growing, high biomass, lower glucosinolates.
Caliente 199: high biomass, higher glucosinolates, responds to good fertility and management.
Caliente Rojo: highest glucosinolates, most effective biofumigant mustard.
Caliente Rojo/Nemat Arugula Mix: a combination of the most effective biofumigant mustard and an arugula trap crop for added nematode and wireworm suppression.
