New insights into mode of action of seaweed-based plant biostimulants challenge common misunderstanding by regulatory authorities

There is a common misconception that the effects of seaweed-based plant biostimulants are due to the presence of plant hormones. However, recent research shows that it is actually the biological compounds naturally present in seaweed extracts that make them effective. These compounds, such as carbohydrates and polyphenols, elicit natural processes within plants that lead to improved growth, yield, quality, and stress tolerance.

To address this misunderstanding, the European Biostimulant Industry Council (EBIC) released a white paper summarizing the current scientific understanding of how seaweed extracts work to stimulant plants. 

According to the white paper, recent studies demonstrate that seaweed extracts regulate gene expression and metabolic shifts in treated plants. This leads to improvements in nutrient use efficiency, abiotic stress resistance and other biostimulant benefits. These mechanisms have been proven to be independent of any plant growth hormones in seaweed extracts. The complex carbohydrate compounds are the most likely candidates for the biostimulant effects of these extracts. However, additional non-hormone compounds may also play a role, either independently or in conjunction with the carbohydrates.

Many regulatory authorities have challenged seaweed-based biostimulant registrations because they believed the products contained plant hormones, which are regulated as plant protection products. While the new research findings may challenge their misconception about the mode of action of seaweed-based plant biostimulants.

The white paper was developed by a network of seaweed experts from Acadian Plant Health, Alfarin, Ocean Knowledge, Yara International, Olmix, Arysta LifeScience, Brandon Bioscience, BioAtlantis, Rovensa Next, ICL Group, Valagro, Ilex EnviroSciences and Daymsa. 

Acadian Plant Health, a leader in the seaweed-based biostimulant industry, will give a speech at BioEx 2024, to summarize the current scientific consensus and clarify the actual basis for seaweed biostimulant efficacy.

Come to BioEx 2024 to find more details!