4 research outputs found
Algae and Cyanobacteria as Biocontrol Agents of Fungal Plant Pathogens
none2noAbstract: Since long time, algae are used in agriculture as soil amendment for their
beneficial effects on plant health and productivity. In fact, algae contain several
molecules such as plant growth hormones (cytokinins, auxins, abscisic and
gibberellic acid), polysaccharides, betaines and micronutrients. The research on
algae, their compounds and their effects on plants have started in the middle 1950s
and brought to the formulations of liquid products containing extracts with compounds
readily available for plants. The algae extracts, besides having effects on
plant growth, have demonstrated to improve plant resistance to both abiotic and
biotic stresses. Among biotic stresses, algae showed antifungal activity against
different pathogens especially of horticultural plants. From the middle of last
century, plant management has always been dependent from the market demand
that required growing quantity of ‘perfect’ fruits and vegetables over the year. In this
scenario, the chemical industry of fertilizers and pesticides developed new products
that have been used for years. In particular, pesticides have represented the base of
the management of fungal plant pathogens. During the last decades, the use of both
pesticides and chemical fertilizers has represented a serious risk for human health
and brought disorder of ecosystem equilibrium. Consequently, algae for their
biostimulant and antifungal effects may be considered useful tools to reduce the
input of chemicals in integrated pest management strategies. In line with these
strategies, the European Regulation EC 1107/2009, concerning the placing of
plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/
EEC and 91/414/EEC, recommends that priority should be given to non-chemical
and natural alternatives wherever possible.mixedHillary Righini; Roberta RobertiHillary Righini; Roberta Robert