Poveda, JorgeDíez-Méndez, Alexandra2023-11-102023-11-102022Poveda, Jorge; Díez-Méndez, Alexandra (2023). Use of elicitors from macroalgae and microalgae in the management of pests and diseases in agriculture. Phytoparasitica. ISSN 0334-2123. 51:4, p. 667–7010334-2123http://hdl.handle.net/10198/28877Feeding a growing population is a big challenge for agriculture, being necessary for new and ecological alternatives to reduce chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Scientists have found that microand macroalgae are essential reservoirs of chemical compounds with a high potential role as biopesticides. Some of these molecules can act as elicitors, activating systemic and local defensive responses even without biotic stress. Among elicitors from macroalgae, there are ulvans, laminarin, alginate, carrageenan, glucuronan, fucans and tannins, which can activate plant defenses against viruses, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, and insects. The induction of defense mechanisms on crops by microalgae is related to their application as biomass, polysaccharides, exopolysaccharide or other elicitors, such as lactic acid or glucosamine. Unlike macroalgae, the biopesticide effect by microalgae has only been described against bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes, being necessary more studies to elucidate and discover their role as elicitors. In general, both macroand microalgae are sources of compounds with great potential as biopesticides following the current needs for the development of sustainable agriculture.engBiopesticidesPlant defensesSystemic resistanceUlvanCarrageenanjournal article10.1007/s12600-022-01009-y1876-7184