Role of Algae–Fungi Relationship in Sustainable Agriculture

The key features of sustainable agriculture which include crop improvement, control of pests and diseases, and maintenance of soil fertility have largely been augmented by microbial application. These microorganisms and their consortia have largely been utilized as bioremediative and biocontrol agents as well as natural bioindicators. Algae also help in conserving environment by sequestering carbon dioxide directly from atmosphere and are used in production of biofuels and biorefinery products. Also commercial production and extraction of a large array of bioactive compounds like fatty acids (PUFA, EPA, and DHA), bioflavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, asperfumoid, phomoenamide from them have been reported to show antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and insecticidal properties besides diverse therapeutic uses. The role of algae–fungal associations and their role in the sustainable agriculture have been elaborated in this chapter. With the advancement of biotechnology, the biostimulatory potential of microbes particularly the algal and fungal communities has been thoroughly studied and manipulated, but more innovative approaches are indeed required for an ecofriendly environment and better tomorrow.