Allelopathy in Marine Algal Culture

Dear Colleagues,

A biological phenomenon known as allelopathy occurs when an organism creates one or more macromolecules that have an impact on the development, maintenance, and/or reproduction of other species.

These biomolecules, known as allelochemicals, are primarily secondary metabolites and are produced by specific plants, algae, bacteria, coral, and fungi. These substances may benefit the target organism (positive allelopathy) or harm it (negative allelopathy). Within plant and plankton communities, allelopathic interactions play a significant role in defining the number and distribution of various species. Other ecological roles played by biomolecules with allelopathic properties include nutrient chelation, chemical defense, and soil biota management in plants.

Natural herbicides could be made from these molecules, and in recent years, allelopathy has been the focus of extensive investigation.

Engineering methods used in the development and construction of photobioreactors must rely on our understanding of the behavior and microbiology of that specific strain of microalgae, including its genetic make-up and metabolic pathways. However, the employment of techniques that avoid biological contamination, predators/grazers, and parasites of diverse origins is the only way to cultivate microalgae in open environments. There are still many unknown issues concerning the physiology and behavior of microalgae, and this branch of biotechnology is still in its infancy. Furthermore, there is always a risk of culture contamination. Other species of microalgae may enter the system and compete with the primary microalgae, or fungi, protozoa, and bacteria may cause culture crash or dominance of unwanted algae species. Air, dust, leaves, and other items carried by the wind, as well as insects, can all be sources of significant contamination.

This Special Issue aims at adding knowledge to the phenomenon of allelopathy as manifested in marine microalgal culture in order to maintain the monoculture of the selected species, thus maximizing the production of its biomass and useful bio-substances.

Prof. Dr. George Hotos
Guest Editor

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• allelopathy
• allelochemicals
• competition
• marine microalgae
• algal culture