Many growers have become comfortable with adding seaweeds or kelps into their crop programs, given their ability have a “hormone-like” effect on a plant. Plants produce hormones naturally to regulate certain functions. Seaweeds and kelps are especially good at producing different stress-related compounds, likely because of their constant exposure to unfavorable conditions.
Seaweeds contain considerable amounts of micronutrients and plant growth hormones like auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and betaines. Hormones are usually produced in one part of the plant and transferred to another part of the plant to initiate physiological changes.
For example, auxins are produced in the leaves of plants then transferred to the roots and growing tips. They contribute to growth in these new tissues typically by cell elongation. Auxins are also responsible for bending the stem toward light, fruit ripening and leaf drop.
Cytokinins, on the other hand, are produced in the roots and transferred to the leaves and growing tips. Cytokinins regulate cell division and growth, working in conjunction with other plant hormones. If, for example, cytokinins are applied during root formation, the cytokinins will stimulate the division of more root cells.
Gibberellins regulate cell division and growth, root elongation, bud formation and are important for breaking seed dormancy. They can also help reduce senescence in citrus, grapes and stone fruit.
Finally, betaines are a class of quaternary or fourth-order of ammonium compounds that improve plant tolerance to stresses such as temperature extremes, drought, and salinity when applied to agricultural crops. Interestingly, in humans, glycine betaine has been shown to protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, and enhance sports performance.
What’s our approach to applying seaweeds and kelps? Don’t use only one, rotate them! Every seaweed and kelp has a different advantage to contribute, depending on its specific structure. Andaman Ag promotes and distributes 3 excellent seaweed products.
Meanwhile, Vermicompost also is receiving a lot of attention as an important source of humic acids and natural plant hormones. Indole acetic acid is a plant hormone commonly found in vermicompost that stimulates both root and shoot growth. The humic acids found in these products are important to plant growth but also play a key role in stimulating the microorganism world, providing improved plant health and vigor.
In a season that is behind on fruit ripening, seaweed, vermicompost and flavonoid products can help push the ripening process and provide a plethora of benefits to your soils, the foundation for crop success.