Microalgae-derived biofungicides for crop disease management

Overview

This research initiative develops biofungicides derived from microalgae bioactive compounds to control fungal pathogens affecting horticultural crops. The approach leverages phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and minerals naturally produced by microalgae to inhibit fungal infection processes. Initial testing has demonstrated that microalgae extracts can disrupt appressoria formation in fungal pathogens, a critical mechanism for plant infection. The primary application targets avocado production, addressing two major disease complexes: fruit rot caused by ascomycete pathogens (Colletotrichum and Botryosphaeria species) and root rot caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi. This represents a sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides, aligning with growing market demand for environmentally responsible crop protection solutions.

Technical specifications

Core approach:

• Utilizes food-safe microalgae species as a renewable source of antifungal bioactive molecules
• Focuses on phenolic compounds with broad-spectrum antifungal activity
• Targets two pathogen groups: ascomycetes (fruit rot) and oomycetes (root rot)

Research methodology:

• Phenolic profiling using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-heated electrospray-mass spectrometry
• In vitro antifungal assays to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations
• Phytotoxicity assessment on sprayed plant material
• Mechanism investigation of fungal morphogenesis inhibition

Key advantages:

• Sustainable and renewable source material
• Multi-target antifungal activity through diverse phenolic compounds
• Potential dual mode of action: direct antifungal contact and enhanced plant immunity

Technology readiness level

This research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary testing has shown that microalgae extracts can affect appressoria formation in Colletotrichum kahawae, but further validation is required. Future work will focus on selecting food-safe microalgae species with potent antifungal compounds and conducting comprehensive efficacy and safety testing against target pathogens. The research builds on established knowledge of phenolic-mediated plant resistance mechanisms and existing applications of microalgae extracts in antifungal products for human care.