Background and Objective: Seaweeds are the most abundant marine resource, including novel bioactive molecules that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. The use of these resources to develop eco-friendly antifungal products is a suitable alternative to chemical fungicides in controlling postharvest decays. Materials and Methods: In this study, aqueous extracts of four seaweeds were collected from the Moroccan Atlantic Coastline (Agadir) Bifurcaria bifurcata, Corallina officinalis, Codium tomentosum and Ulva fasciata were phytochemically investigated and evaluated regarding their antioxidant and antifungal properties. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. The antifungal activity was assessed in vitro against 3 postharvest phytopathogenic fungi Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium expansum and Penicillium italicum. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assays. Results: The studied algal extracts showed significant variation in antioxidant activity, whereas, in most of the cases, the analysis revealed remarkable antioxidant capacity and high total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Specifically, B. bifurcata followed by U. fasciata contained the highest levels of TPC, TFC and exhibited higher antioxidant activity (IC 50 values of 0.18 and 0.23 mg mLG 1 , respectively). These extracts also exhibited strong antifungal activity, particularly that of B. bifurcata, which proved to be more effective in reducing the mycelial growth of P. digitatum, P. italicum and P. expansum.
Conclusion:The present findings suggest that local seaweeds, especially B. bifurcata and U. fasciata are potential sources of bioactive compounds and should be investigated for natural fungicides to control or delay fruit postharvest decay.
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