Frequently asked questions

Seaweed has solid scientific proof that have several effects on crop quality and yield. They could be considered as a source of active ingredients with a multitude of biostimulants effects on plants. Syngenta biologicals uses Ascophyllum nodosum as a source of active ingredients to combine with other ingredients (plant extracts or other actives) to obtain a synergetic effect on plants. Agronomic results showed that depending on different crops MC EXTRA exerts the main benefits when applied during the reproductive phases, and in some crops also express good effects in other phases of crop cycle (for example on tomato, grape, leafy vegetables). MC SET is tailored to be applied only during flowering and fruit set stages to express more genetic potentials of the plant. MC CREAM is more versatile because of the effect on photosynthesis, showing positive effects all along the entire crop cycle. In this last case MC CREAM showed synergetic effects also with BENEFIT PZ for fruit enlargement.

Our formulations are tailored to work on specific physiological processes in the plant. Depending on the function of the use of the product, the parameters change, for example for products that work on photosynthesis it is possible to measure SPAD index, NDVI, etc., for balanced growth the plant compactness is a good indicator, for flowering and fruit set, the number of flowers and the % of fruit set. Our seaweeds are a complementary tool that, thanks to our unique GeaPower® approach based on optimized extraction processes and combined with other powerful ingredients in a final formulation, ensure better yield and quality.

About the stage of crop, we know only the responses of our formulations, and we do not consider the application of A. nodosum in itself, because each formulation of MC LINE contains different active ingredients to work as a combination that matches a specific function of use. Brown seaweed like A. nodosum and Eklonia maxima have some active ingredients in common (Alginates, Fucoidans, Fucosterol, etc…), naturally the % of these active ingredients could be very different because they are different species and live in different habitats with different environmental conditions. In the case of A. nodosum, Syngenta biologicals harvests it in the northernmost part of the world, with extreme environmental conditions, that favor the accumulation of active ingredients used in our formulation. Also, the timing of the harvest is very important because these organisms accumulate more compounds in some periods of the year. Our proprietary Extraction processes also make our extracts unique compared to other seaweeds on the market.

This complex organism contains variable percentage of macro and microelements, proteins, and vitamins. The content of alginates is important, because they can increase the availability of nutrients for the plants, through the binding properties. A. nodosum contains also phlorotannins, laminarin, fucoidans and mannitol, which can help the plant adapt to environmental stresses, activate the plant defense system, and adjust the osmotic process. The content of each active ingredient depends on extraction process used, harvesting area and harvesting time.