Utilization of Algae and Cyanobacteria or Sustainable Aquatic Resources

Algae are aquatic organisms not belonging to a systematic taxon. This term includes autotrophs, unicellular or pluricellular organisms (micro and macroalgae) that produce chemical energy by photosynthesis, generating oxygen and with the characteristic of not having real differentiated tissues. Their classification is very complex and the term of algae refers to organisms grouped in both Chromista and Plantae kingdom. Moreover, among the microalgae, cyanobacteria are included, even though they are prokaryotes. These aquatic organisms are used in an increasing number of commercial applications since they are source of bioactive compounds with several properties such as antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Nowadays, the research on the use of algae and cyanobacteria in agriculture is starting to point out also their potential for plant pathogen control and as inducers of plant resistance. Among plant pathogens a number of fungi can affect plant and fruit and their control was mainly based on the use of synthetic products which caused several problems to humans, animals, environment and brought pathogen resistances to these products. It should also be underlined that there is an increasing demands of healthy foods by the consumers. Currently, the use of synthetic products is under European regulations that requires that priority should be given to non-chemical and natural alternatives wherever possible in accordance to the principles of integrated pest management. Considering that, algae and cyanobacteria could represent an alternative tool to synthetic products for plant disease management.