Shrimycocin-A, a next generation broad spectrum and systemic biofungicide from coconut shell agro waste for crop protection

Abstract

Abstract The excessive use of chemical fungicides has resulted in severe health and environmental concerns; exploration of sustainable alternatives to the chemical pesticides remains a challenge. In this study we developed a novel bio-fungicide fraction, Shrimycocin-A (Shri-A), obtained from the coconut shells through the process of thermal extraction and activity guided fractionation. The chemical profile of Shri-A was established and physicochemical properties were characterized. Our results demonstrated the superior fungicidal activity of Shri-A (300 µg/ml) against fungicide-tolerant wide-host range phytopathogenic fungi. Shri-A exhibited multiple modes of action, including fungal cell wall disruption, cell membrane depolarization, alteration of ergosterol content, and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The MIC of Shri-A was ranged between 37.5 and 300 µg/ml and its corresponding MFC was ranged from 75 to 350 µg/ml against different plant and human pathogenic fungi. Shri-A showed systemic absorption, bioavailability without causing phytotoxicity, and acute toxicity to earthworms up to the concentrations 300 µg/ml, 700 µg/ml, and 200 µg/cm 2 respectively. Further, the bio-efficacy studies revealed that disease control efficiency of Shri-A (300 µg/ml) is comparable to or exceeds that of commercial synthetic fungicides. Our study suggests that the Shri-A has the potential to be a next-generation bio-fungicide and a promising alternative to chemical fungicides in agriculture.