This review discusses the importance of glucosinolates in plant protection.
The Brassicaceae, which are cultivated worldwide, use glucosinolates and
their decomposition products to defend themselves against attacks by harmful
organisms. The glucosinolate content varies among individual plant species,
plant organs and developmental stages. The glucosinolate content in plants is
also affected by biotic and abiotic factors, while the type or quantity of
glucosinolate determines the susceptibility of the plants to insect pests.
These facts can pose a problem when implementing this knowledge in
cultivation of the Brassicaceae, especially in regions with moderate climates
where Brassicaceae crops are exposed to attacks by a large number of harmful
organisms. Under these circumstances, it is essential to research new, or to
improve the existing environmentally acceptable methods of protecting
Brassicaceae plants against economically important pests.