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Seaweed extract (Sagarika / Cevid / Seaweed-98) in paddy

Seaweed-extract biostimulants are widely used in paddy at the active-tillering and panicle-initiation stages to push tiller numbers and grain set. The dominant Indian product, IFFCO Sagarika, carries 28% seaweed extract derived from a CSIR-CSMCRI Kappaphycus alvarezii sap process; competing products such as Cevid and Seaweed-98 occupy the same category and follow comparable application patterns.

Composition

  • Active content: 28% red/brown seaweed extract (Indian standard)
  • Source: Kappaphycus alvarezii (red) and Ascophyllum nodosum (brown)
  • Key bioactives: natural auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, betaines, alginates
  • Forms: liquid concentrate (foliar at 2.5-5 ml/L) and granular grades

The technology origin for the leading Indian liquid grade is CSIR-CSMCRI's patented Kappaphycus sap process, licensed to IFFCO and others.

Mode of action

Seaweed extract is a plant biostimulant rather than an NPK fertiliser. In paddy, the natural phytohormones in the extract promote root proliferation and lateral tiller initiation when applied during active tillering, and support spikelet differentiation and grain set when applied at panicle initiation. The betaine and alginate fractions provide osmotic stress protection during heat and water-stress episodes that frequently coincide with reproductive development.

Target use and dose

  • Foliar spray: 2.5-5 ml of liquid concentrate per litre of water, applied at active tillering (around 20-30 DAT, see Paddy Tillering Top Dressing) and again at panicle initiation (around 50-60 DAT, see Paddy Third Dose Fertilizer).
  • Granular soil application: 4-10 kg per acre as a basal or side-dressing alongside the basal NPK programme.

It is commonly tank-mixed with humic-acid sprays (see Humic Acid Paddy) and with foliar micronutrients.

Safety and regulatory status

FCO-notified plant biostimulant under the 2021 order. Non-toxic at field rates and compatible with most water-soluble fertilisers.

See also: Seaweed Extract, Seaweed Extract Input, Humic Acid Paddy, Paddy Tillering Top Dressing, Paddy Third Dose Fertilizer, Biostimulants Amino Acid Seaweed.

References

  1. Sagarika Liquid. Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative.
  2. Sagarika Granular. Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative.