5‐Aminolevulinic Acid: A Potential Herbicide/Insecticide from Microorganisms

Abstract

5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), an intermediate of the biological tetrapyrrole synthesis, can be used as a photodynamic herbicide/insecticide. Among the various microorganisms capable of its production, anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria produce ALA in considerable amounts, making it worthwhile to work toward commercial exploitation. Knowledge of the biochemical synthesis of ALA and its physiological and genetic regulation in microorganisms can enable the biotechnologist to manipulate them for enhancing ALA production for possible practical applications. Copyright © 1994 American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)