Biofungicides Based on Plant Extracts: On the Road to Organic Farming

Biofungicides Based on Plant Extracts: On the Road to Organic Farming

22 June 2024 | Antonio de Jesús Cenobio-Galindo, Alma Delia Hernández-Fuentes, Uriel González-Lemus, Ana Karen Zaldívar-Ortega, Lucio González-Montiel, Alfredo Madariaga-Navarrete and Iridiam Hernández-Soto
Biofungicides based on plant extracts are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in organic farming. This review discusses the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants, their mechanisms of action against phytopathogenic fungi, extraction techniques, and formulation methods for biofungicides. Secondary metabolites, such as terpenes, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, are naturally produced by plants and have antifungal properties. These compounds are extracted using various methods, including Soxhlet extraction, maceration, hydrodistillation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction. These methods are chosen based on the polarity of the target compound and the desired efficiency of extraction. Biofungicides derived from plant extracts are considered environmentally friendly, as they have limited persistence in the environment and do not pose residual hazards. They are effective against phytopathogenic fungi through various mechanisms, including membrane disruption, inhibition of cell wall synthesis, and interference with mitochondrial function. Examples of biofungicides include extracts from orange peel, rapeseed, and Indian mustard, which have shown antifungal activity against pathogens such as Monilinia fructicola, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum spp. These biofungicides are also less toxic to beneficial organisms, such as pollinating bees, compared to synthetic fungicides. Despite their benefits, biofungicides face challenges in formulation, regulation, and commercialization. They are generally more expensive than synthetic fungicides and require extensive testing for safety and efficacy. However, the growing demand for organic farming and the increasing awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic fungicides are driving the development and use of biofungicides. The market for biofungicides is expected to grow significantly, with a growth rate of 15.6% annually. Regulatory frameworks in various countries are evolving to support the use of biofungicides, and organizations such as the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) play a key role in ensuring that biofungicides meet organic standards. Overall, biofungicides represent a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides in sustainable agriculture.Biofungicides based on plant extracts are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in organic farming. This review discusses the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants, their mechanisms of action against phytopathogenic fungi, extraction techniques, and formulation methods for biofungicides. Secondary metabolites, such as terpenes, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds, are naturally produced by plants and have antifungal properties. These compounds are extracted using various methods, including Soxhlet extraction, maceration, hydrodistillation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction. These methods are chosen based on the polarity of the target compound and the desired efficiency of extraction. Biofungicides derived from plant extracts are considered environmentally friendly, as they have limited persistence in the environment and do not pose residual hazards. They are effective against phytopathogenic fungi through various mechanisms, including membrane disruption, inhibition of cell wall synthesis, and interference with mitochondrial function. Examples of biofungicides include extracts from orange peel, rapeseed, and Indian mustard, which have shown antifungal activity against pathogens such as Monilinia fructicola, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum spp. These biofungicides are also less toxic to beneficial organisms, such as pollinating bees, compared to synthetic fungicides. Despite their benefits, biofungicides face challenges in formulation, regulation, and commercialization. They are generally more expensive than synthetic fungicides and require extensive testing for safety and efficacy. However, the growing demand for organic farming and the increasing awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic fungicides are driving the development and use of biofungicides. The market for biofungicides is expected to grow significantly, with a growth rate of 15.6% annually. Regulatory frameworks in various countries are evolving to support the use of biofungicides, and organizations such as the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) play a key role in ensuring that biofungicides meet organic standards. Overall, biofungicides represent a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides in sustainable agriculture.
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