Abstract: The present application discloses a method for the early detection of bacterial diseases of potato tubers. More particularly, the present application discloses a method for identifying bacteria which cause blackleg and tuber soft rot diseases in potato tubers based on the identification of unique patterns of volatile compounds. The method disclosed herein can serve for the differentiation of non-inoculated samples from inoculated samples, distinguishing and identifying inoculation by different bacterial genera (Pectobacterium and Dickeya spp), different bacterial species and different bacterial sub-species. The detection relies on specific combinations of volatile compounds associated with each of the above-mentioned groups, which can serve as an applicable tool to detect tuber pathologies in storage rooms and shipments.

Abstract: Crops may be improved by biofumigating the soil prior to planting or sowing these crops. The biofumigation preferably comprises chopping and incorporating of green manures into the soil, and, thereafter, coating the soil surface with plastic coats made by multiple spraying of suitable polymer formulations onto the treated soil surface.