Seaweed-based Biostimulant

How do seaweed-based biostimulants improve plant health?

Marine algae extracts act on several physiological levers to strengthen the vitality of plants. They stimulate enzymatic activity, promote the production of antioxidant compounds and activate the signaling pathways related to plant defense. Thus, these mechanisms reinforce tolerance to abiotic stress (drought, heat, salinity, cold), now a major challenge in agriculture.

Seaweed-based biostimulants also improve the absorption of mineral elements, particularly trace elements such as iron, copper or zinc. By supporting the root system and increasing the availability of nutrients, they thus promote more uniform growth and better plant nutrition.

They can be applied as a foliar application or through irrigation water, at key stages of the vegetative cycle: regrowth, pre-flowering, stress phases or post-planting. Their use often allows to improve agricultural quality and yield, while reducing dependence on certain traditional inputs.

What types of algae are found in these products?

Seaweed-based biostimulants are made from marine species rich in bioactive compounds: polysaccharides, amino acids, natural hormones and trace elements. We can distinguish three main families of algae according to their pigmentation and composition, as well as microalgae, which are increasingly present in certain formulations.

Brown algae: the most commonly used in agriculture

• Ascophyllum nodosum: harvested on the North Atlantic coasts, it is known for its richness in alginates, mannitol, phlorotannins and cytokinins. It promotes root growth, improves flowering and enhances tolerance to abiotic stress.
• Ecklonia maxima: originating from the temperate zones of the Southern Hemisphere, it is distinguished by its high content of natural auxins, which stimulate rooting and vegetative development.

Other brown algae such as Laminaria or Fucus can be used for their content of complex polysaccharides and trace elements.

Red and green algae: complementary sources

• Red algae, such as Palmaria palmata and Chondrus crispus, are characterized by specific pigments (phycoerythrin) and sulfated polysaccharides that are beneficial for stimulating natural defenses.
• Green algae, such as Ulva lactuca or Enteromorpha intestinalis, are richer in chlorophyll and can be used both for their protein content and for their stimulating effect on photosynthesis.

Microalgae: spirulina, chlorella and other unicellular species

Among the best known, spirulina and chlorella are used for their high concentration of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and bioactive peptides.

They act in synergy with marine algae to strengthen the vitality and physiological balance of plants.

How to properly use seaweed-based biostimulants for your crops?

Seaweed-based biostimulants can be adapted to many crops, depending on the physiological stage and the method of application.

• Field crops and plantations: on wheat, corn, beet, sunflower or rapeseed, the objective is to support vegetative growth, strengthen rooting, and improve resilience to climatic hazards. Application is generally done post-emergence, during the regrowth phase or before a predictable stress episode.
• Perennial crops: in viticulture, arboriculture or olive growing, algae extracts are often used pre-flowering, at fruit set or after mechanical interventions such as pruning. They contribute to better recovery, uniform flowering and better tolerance to thermal or water stress.
• Fruit & vegetable farming and horticulture: on leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables or ornamental plants, seaweed-based biostimulants promote regular growth, better vigor of young plants and optimal visual quality. They are generally integrated from planting or as a foliar treatment during sensitive phases of the cycle.

Please note that these recommendations are general and may vary depending on the crops, soil and climatic conditions, and formulations. For advice tailored to your technical itineraries, it is always best to contact the suppliers and experts in the sector marketing seaweed-based biostimulants.

Integrate algae extracts into your agronomic strategy

Naturally boost the vitality of your crops by integrating seaweed-based biostimulants into your practices. By strengthening plant nutrition, growth and resilience, these innovative solutions are adaptable to all types of crops. So make the choice of a sustainable, effective and compatible technical lever with the requirements of modern agriculture, in the face of current climatic and economic challenges.