Not all seaweed-based biostimulants are created equal. Director of Research and Development for Acadian Plant Health, Holly Little said there are a number of ways that seaweed extracts can be used to produce biostimulants. “Different raw materials, so the seaweed species, or different extraction processes even within a type – so different types of alkaline extraction processes – all will liberate and create different bioactives. Which means they can all work a little bit differently,” Little explained.
Understanding the differences in the functionality of different seaweed-based biostimulants can help producers manage expectations. Little encourages growers to be diligent in their researching products and learning more about biostimulants they may be considering. A demo trial can also provide growers with insight as to exactly how a seaweed-based product will interact with their operation. “It’s not like a generic agrochemical. So, everyone has something a little bit different, and no one knows exactly what others do. We’ve seen there can be quite a bit of variability in the response between different extracts,” said Little.
Listen to the full episode with Holly Little below.
‘Making Sense of Biologicals’ is a series from AgNet West that dives into various topics with unbiased experts in the field of biologics to help the industry better understand the product category.
This episode of Making Sense of Biologicals is made possible by Marrone Bio Innovations, leading the movement to environmentally sustainable farming practices through the discovery, development and sale of innovative biological products for crop protection, crop health and crop nutrition. Marrone Bio’s portfolio of 18 products helps a wide range of growers – from row crops and fruits and vegetables to tree nuts, vines, and greenhouse production – operate more sustainably while increasing their return on investment. For educational webinars and biological IPM programs, visit MarroneBio.com.