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Algae and Cyanobacteria Fatty Acids and Bioactive Metabolites: Natural Antifungal Alternative Against Fusarium sp

Summary

This review examines how fatty acids and other compounds from algae and cyanobacteria can naturally fight Fusarium fungus, which damages crops like wheat, corn, and tomatoes. Traditional chemical fungicides harm the environment and can make fungi resistant, so scientists are exploring algae-based alternatives that work sustainably. The research shows these algal compounds can damage fungal cell membranes and boost plant defenses against infection. While promising, more work is needed to develop these natural solutions for practical farm use.

Background

Fusarium spp. are major phytopathogens causing significant crop damage and mycotoxin contamination. Traditional chemical fungicides create environmental damage, reduce crop yield, kill beneficial soil microbiomes, and promote fungal resistance. Natural alternatives from algae and cyanobacteria show promise as sustainable biocontrol agents.

Objective

This review focuses on the mechanisms of action of fatty acids from macroalgae, microalgae, and cyanobacteria as principal antifungal biomolecules. The study analyzes the efficacy of these natural metabolites against Fusarium spp. and explores their benefits and challenges for sustainable agriculture applications.

Results

Multiple algal and cyanobacterial species demonstrated antifungal activity against Fusarium through fatty acids, phenolic acids, and volatile organic compounds. Spirulina sp., Nostoc species, and macroalgae extracts showed mycelial growth inhibition rates from 0.21 cm/day to 160 mm inhibition zones. Fatty acids disrupt fungal cell membranes, inhibit spore germination, and induce plant defense mechanisms.

Conclusion

Algae and cyanobacteria represent viable sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling Fusarium spp. Their fatty acids and secondary metabolites show promising antifungal activity through multiple mechanisms. Further research is needed to optimize cultivation parameters, extraction methods, and field applications for practical agricultural implementation.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40005804, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13020439
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