Seaweeds have been used as a food for centuries in Asia and are increasingly exploited as a source for dietary supplements, animal feed, chemicals, and biofuels. In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of diseases and pests in these aquaculture crops, with a subsequent reduction in their quantity and commercial value. In this article, we review diseases that have been reported in the scientific literature for species of red and brown seaweeds. We have focused on the major seaweed crops grown in Asia, where much of this production is centered. We also provide information on disease management and biosecurity and some observations on future directions.

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Diseases and pests are major limiting factors to aquaculture production, 1 including seaweeds, 2 prompting global action to improve biosecurity and knowledge of important yield-limiting pathogens affecting sustainable production, both now and in the future. 3,4 Seaweeds comprise almost 30% of global aquaculture production by volume. 5 Production of the carrageenophyte red algal genera Kappaphycus and Eucheuma (collectively known as eucheumatoids) has increased rapidly in the past decade, accounting for 33.99% of global aquatic plant cultivation in 2018. 5 Eucheumatoids are commercially cultivated for production of carrageenans, polysaccharides widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.Much of this cultivation occurs in South-East Asia, particularly

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