Seaweed Extract Inhibits Fungal Growth in Laboratory Test
The Ulva seaweed extract shows potential as a sustainable tool for controlling Aspergillus flavus in future agricultural applications.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Botany
Live Poll
Should the agriculture industry prioritize natural plant and seaweed extracts for controlling fungal crop infections?
Researchers have identified seaweed extracts from the genus Ulva as effective inhibitors of Aspergillus flavus growth in laboratory testing. The study suggests these natural extracts could serve as a sustainable alternative for controlling fungal pathogens.
Why it matters
As the agricultural industry searches for eco-friendly pathogen control, these findings highlight potential biological agents that could mitigate the risks associated with Aspergillus flavus infections.
The Ulva extract achieved an EC50 value—the concentration required for 50% inhibition of the fungus—of 14.2 mg/mL. While its phenolic content of 3.80 µg GAE/mg DW was lower than the ~11 µg GAE/mg DW found in hop and tree extracts, it remained the most effective inhibitor tested.
The details
The researchers evaluated extracts from four sources, identifying that the Ulva seaweed contains rosmarinic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and sulfated ulvans—complex sugars with sulfate groups attached. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis—a technique used to determine molecular structure by observing magnetic properties of atomic nuclei—confirmed the presence of rhamnose, xylose, and uronic acid units. These components are being investigated for their capacity to disrupt the growth cycle of the A. flavus pathogen.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The study detailing the antifungal results is published.
The Tech Race
This development adds a new contender to the global race to find scalable, plant-derived alternatives for crop protection. It follows a pattern of isolating specific active compounds from marine biomass to match the efficacy of terrestrial-based extracts.
This technology is currently in the research stage and does not yet affect commercial agricultural practices or consumer-facing products. Further development is required to determine whether these seaweed extracts can be refined into scalable solutions for pathogen control.
The takeaway
The study suggests that marine-derived biomass like Ulva has specific chemical properties that warrant further investigation as bio-pesticides. Future research will likely focus on scaling the extraction process and confirming the efficacy of these compounds in real-world agricultural environments.
Further reading
For more on the latest research into plant-based compounds, explore our Botany section.
Live Poll
Should the agriculture industry prioritize natural plant and seaweed extracts for controlling fungal crop infections?
