2/10/2022 - By Dr. Raymond Snyder

These days, there’s a lot of buzz about the use of seaplant extract on turfgrass, which might sound a little weird. We’ve all heard the expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We could easily say seaplant extract, like an apple, will keep the doctor away. Here’s how that works.

By applying Ascophyllum nodosum seaplant extract before and during peak stress periods, you can help prepare your turf for the worst. The overall result is a healthier, more robust plant with better carbohydrate reserves, as well as added peace of mind for the turfgrass manager. Ascophyllum nodosum seaplant extract helps to support overall plant physiological fitness. Independent university research has shown that supplementing turf with seaplant extract supports the following plant functions:

• - Plant photosynthetic efficiency
• - Chlorophyll content
• - Plant antioxidant levels
• - Cell wall strength
• - Stress tolerance
• - Disease tolerance
• - Drought tolerance
• - Salinity stress

Recent published results from Virginia Tech showed that treatment with seaplant extract increased the activity of the important antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. These important enzymes help to protect cellular components from damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) which accumulate when a plant is under various stress (drought, injury, nutrient deficiencies, temperature extremes etc.). Improving and protecting antioxidant levels help defend against the negative effects of ROS and improve turfgrass quality, photochemical efficiency and root viability under stress.
Products in the Harrell’s Bio-MAX line contain cold-processed seaplant extract. Think of it as personal training for professional turf.
For more information on the Bio-MAX line and on all aspects of seaplant extract, reach out to your local Harrell's Representative.