The Potential of Allelochemicals from Microalgae for Biopesticides
Livia Marques Casanova,
Andrew Macrae,
Jacqueline Elis de Souza,
Athayde Neves Junior,
Alane Beatriz Vermelho
Affiliations
Livia Marques Casanova
Biotechnology Center-Bioinovar, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
Andrew Macrae
Sustainable Biotechnology and Microbial Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
Jacqueline Elis de Souza
Biotechnology Center-Bioinovar, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
Athayde Neves Junior
Biotechnology Center-Bioinovar, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
Alane Beatriz Vermelho
Biotechnology Center-Bioinovar, Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
Improvements in agricultural productivity are required to meet the demand of a growing world population. Phytopathogens, weeds, and insects are challenges to agricultural production. The toxicity and widespread application of persistent synthetic pesticides poses a major threat to human and ecosystem health. Therefore, sustainable strategies to control pests are essential for agricultural systems to enhance productivity within a green paradigm. Allelochemicals are a less persistent, safer, and friendly alternative to efficient pest management, as they tend to be less toxic to non-target organisms and more easily degradable. Microalgae produce a great variety of allelopathic substances whose biocontrol potential against weeds, insects, and phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria has received much attention. This review provides up-to-date information and a critical perspective on allelochemicals from microalgae and their potential as biopesticides.
