Integrated grazer management mediated by chemicals for sustainable cultivation of algae in open ponds

In the present study, we have taken a holistic approach starting from isolation, identification and characterization of major grazers associated with our algal crop and in parallel screening of several chemicals those could limit grazers in ponds. This was followed by testing the identified chemicals on the grazers, determining the sensitivity of our production strain to the chemicals found effective against grazers and finally providing chemistries that are able to eradicate the pests in open ponds with no adverse effects on our crop. Importantly this study reports 40 chemical candidates that are effective against grazers and can be utilized to prevent grazing during algae cultivation depending upon their compatibility with the algae strain grown.