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Inhibitory Activity of Shrimp Waste Extracts on Fungal and Oomycete Plant Pathogens

Summary

Researchers discovered that waste from shrimp processing can be converted into a natural fungicide that effectively kills plant-damaging fungi and mold. When applied to oranges, lemons, and apples artificially infected with mold, the shrimp waste extract significantly reduced rot and fruit damage. This finding is important because it offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides while helping reduce the massive amounts of shrimp processing waste that typically end up in landfills or oceans.

Background

Plant pathogenic fungi cause significant losses in agricultural production both pre- and post-harvest. Chemical synthetic fungicides have been the primary control method, but their use raises environmental and health concerns, and increasing fungicide resistance threatens their effectiveness. This study explores natural alternatives derived from shrimp waste processing, which generates 40-50% waste that is typically disposed of without reuse.

Objective

To determine the in vitro inhibitory effects of four extracts from shrimp wastes on fungal and oomycete pathogens in the genera Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Penicillium, Plenodomus, and Phytophthora. Additionally, to evaluate the effectiveness of the most active extract in preventing citrus and apple fruit rot caused by Penicillium species in vivo.

Results

The nitric-extract showed inhibitory effects on all tested pathogens at all concentrations (25-100%), with MIC and MFC values ranging from 2-3.5%. Plenodomus tracheiphilus, C. gloeosporioides, and Phytophthora nicotianae were most susceptible. In vivo, nitric-extract at highest concentrations (50-100%) significantly reduced rot severity in citrus and apple fruits, with effects being more pronounced at 3 days post-treatment than at 5 days.

Conclusion

Nitric-extract from shrimp wastes demonstrates promising broad-spectrum antifungal activity against multiple plant pathogens in vitro and shows effectiveness in controlling post-harvest molds in citrus and apple fruits. This eco-friendly alternative derived from minimal waste processing could provide a sustainable approach to plant disease management, though higher concentrations are needed compared to synthetic fungicides.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental In Vitro and In Vivo Study,
  • Source: PMC8619012, PMID: 34834815
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