Advancing sustainable agriculture: the potential of seaweed-derived bio pesticides from marine biomass.

Abstract

The exploitation of marine biomass, particularly seaweeds, presents significant opportunities for sustainable biopesticide production. Seaweeds, or macroalgae are diverse photosynthetic organisms found in marine environments, rich in bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, polyphenols, and sulphated polysaccharides. These compounds exhibit potent pesticide properties, offering environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. The biopesticides derived from seaweeds are biodegradable, exhibit low toxicity to non-target organisms, and align with the principles of environmental sustainability. The growing demand for organic and sustainable agricultural products further underscores the economic potential of seaweed-based biopesticides. However, challenges such as scalability of production, extraction efficiency, and standardization of bioactivity must be addressed to realize this potential fully. Advances in biorefinery approaches, extraction technologies, and formulation techniques are critical to overcoming these challenges. Additionally, ongoing research into the synergistic effects of different seaweed compounds and the development of innovative delivery systems will enhance the efficacy and commercial viability of seaweed-derived biopesticides. This review highlights the promising role of seaweeds in biopesticide production, emphasizing the need for continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate these natural compounds into sustainable agricultural practices.