2022 FL EOP Resource Guide

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SEAPLANT EXTRACT

Seaplant Extract ≈ Cytokinins ≈ Antioxidants Antioxidants mean stress insurance for plants. All life forms need energy. Humans rely on the food we eat. Plants rely on the sun. In both cases, the key to energy generation lies in the shuttling of electrons through an electron transport chain. Unfortunately for the health of both humans and plants, electrons often “leak” from this chain and react with molecular oxygen to form reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS, which include free radicals, are powerful oxidants—rebel compounds roaming cells waiting to tear apart vulnerable components. Antioxidants act as the cell’s armed forces, reacting with ROS and deactivating them before they have a chance to do damage. Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and super oxide dismutase are examples of important antioxidants that protect cells from harm- ful oxidation reactions. Chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis, are especially vulnerable to the creation of ROS, requiring a variety of antioxidants to deactivate free radicals such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). So what can antioxidants do for your turf? In times of stress, they can help keep it alive. Heat and drought stress dramatically increase the formation of ROS in plant cells. Initially, the plant fights back by producing higher levels of antioxidants; but if the stress persists, the plant may not be able to maintain adequate antioxidant activity and it will die. A boost of antioxidants at just the right time may give your turf a fighting chance. How can you provide your turf with life-saving levels of antioxidants under stress? Cytokinins act as chemical signals that stimulate production of antioxidants in plant cells. University research has shown that pre-stress foliar application of seaplant extract containing cytoki- nins increases antioxidant content in turf, leading to greater drought and heat tolerance. Recent published results from Virginia Tech showed that treatment with our seaplant extract increased the activity of the important antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and allevi- ated the decline of turfgrass quality, photochemical efficiency, and root viability under heat stress. Cytokinins also have been shown to act directly as antioxidant and anti-senescence chemicals. By applying seaplant extract before the peak of stress, you are ensuring your turf has the antioxidants it needs to be prepared for the worst. The overall result is a boosted im- mune system for the turf and some peace of mind for the turfgrass manager.

Harrell’s seaplant extract is specifically selected to increase all of the following: • Photosynthetic rate and capacity • Physiological fitness • Chlorophyll content • Antioxidant levels • Cell wall strength • Drought and heat stress tolerance • Fungicide efficacy • Disease resistance • Salinity stress tolerance • Root mass and length

THE VALUE OF FULVIC ACID Research at Clemson and Virginia Tech Universities has demonstrated that humic acid can provide an additive biostimulant effect. Fulvic acid is the portion of humic acid that is soluble over the widest pH range. Fulvic Acids: • Are a powerful organic electrolyte, which helps dissolve minerals and metals, so it transforms minerals to make them more readily available for absorption. • Work more in the plant, whereas humic acids, on the other hand work more in the soil. • Contribute to plant health and physiological fitness by enhancing the availability of nutrients, vitamins, coenzymes, and auxins • Enhance plant metabolism so they can help make turf more stress tolerant and disease resistant. • Increase the amount of carbohydrates in the plant. More carbohydrates means more energy and reserves.

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