Shrimycocin-A from coconut shell waste could be a broad‑spectrum systemic biofungicide

The study reports Shrimycocin-A, extracted from coconut shells, shows antifungal activity across a range of plant and human pathogenic fungi and demonstrated systemic absorption with no reported phytotoxicity in tests.

Shrimycocin-A (Shri-A) is a biofungicide fraction produced from coconut shell agro-waste using thermal extraction and activity-guided fractionation. The study established the compound's chemical profile and characterized its physicochemical properties. Laboratory and bio-efficacy tests examined Shri-A against wide-host range and fungicide-tolerant phytopathogenic fungi. The research is presented in the context of concerns about health and environmental effects from heavy chemical fungicide use. Key findings: - Shri-A was obtained from coconut shell agro-waste via thermal extraction and activity-guided fractionation. - The compound's chemical profile and physicochemical properties were characterized in the study. - In laboratory tests Shri-A at 300 µg/ml showed strong activity against wide-host range and fungicide-tolerant phytopathogenic fungi. - Reported modes of action include fungal cell wall disruption, cell membrane depolarization, altered ergosterol content, and effects on mitochondrial transmembrane potential. - Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were reported between 37.5 and 300 µg/ml, and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) between 75 and 350 µg/ml for different tested fungi. - Shri-A was reported as systemically absorbed and bioavailable without causing phytotoxicity; the paper lists concentration figures (300 µg/ml, 700 µg/ml, and 200 µg/cm) linked to absorption, bioavailability, and earthworm acute toxicity respectively, and reported disease control at 300 µg/ml as comparable to or exceeding some commercial synthetic fungicides. Summary: The results indicate Shri-A could offer a systemically absorbed biofungicide with multiple modes of action and laboratory efficacy comparable to some synthetic fungicides. The study frames Shri-A as a potential alternative to chemical fungicides for crop protection. Undetermined at this time.