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

Summary

Fusarium fungi cause serious crop diseases that farmers traditionally treat with chemical fungicides, but these chemicals harm the environment and create resistant fungi. Scientists are finding that algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) produce natural compounds like fatty acids that can fight these fungi effectively. This research shows promising results for developing natural, environmentally-friendly fungicides that could help farmers protect crops without chemical damage.

Background

Fungal diseases caused by Fusarium spp. significantly threaten food security and sustainable agriculture. Excessive use of chemical fungicides generates environmental damage, kills natural soil microbiome, and creates resistant phytopathogenic fungi. Algae and cyanobacteria are promising sources of antifungal bioactive compounds including fatty acids and phenolic acids.

Objective

This review focuses on mechanisms of action of fatty acids from macroalgae, microalgae, and cyanobacteria as principal biomolecules with antifungal activity against Fusarium spp. The review analyzes antifungal effects of polar and non-polar algae extracts and explores whether extracts exhibit biostimulant and/or fertilizing properties.

Results

Multiple studies demonstrated antifungal activity of algal and cyanobacterial extracts against Fusarium species through various mechanisms including spore germination inhibition, fungal cell wall destruction, and lipid synthesis inhibition. Spirulina sp., Nostoc species, and macroalgae extracts showed mycelial growth inhibition rates ranging from 0.21 cm/day to complete inhibition zones of 160 mm.

Conclusion

Algae and cyanobacteria represent promising natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling Fusarium spp. in sustainable agriculture. Fatty acids and phenolic compounds from these organisms demonstrate significant antifungal potential through multiple mechanisms of action, offering environmentally friendly solutions to fungal crop diseases.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40005804, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13020439
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