Acadian Plant Health: Innovating sustainable agriculture with seaweed-based biostimulants

This article was written by Lukie Pieterse, Editor and Publisher of Potato News Today

As global agriculture faces increasing challenges, from climate change to the demand for sustainable practices, Acadian Plant Health™, based in Canada, stands out as a leader in the biostimulant industry. Dr. Holly Little, Director of Research and Development at Acadian Plant Health, shares the company’s journey, the evolution of biostimulants, and their impact on agriculture, especially in the potato industry. With her extensive experience and deep commitment to sustainable agriculture, Dr. Little provides a comprehensive overview of how Acadian is helping to shape the future of farming.

A Lifelong Passion for Agriculture

Dr. Little’s journey into biostimulants began in Northern California, where she grew up on a farm. Although she didn’t aspire to be a farmer, her passion for agriculture was undeniable.

“Even though I didn’t want to be a farmer necessarily, I always wanted to have a career in agriculture where I could make a practical difference to growers,” Dr. Little reflects.

Her academic pursuits in plant physiology and plant growth regulators further solidified her interest in applied research, aiming to provide tangible benefits to farmers.

Her curiosity about Acadian Plant Health was piqued when she researched the company’s scientific approach and commitment to sustainable resource management.

“What I saw was an organization dedicated to furthering the biostimulant industry through science,” she says.

This alignment with her values led her to join Acadian, where she has been able to contribute to global agricultural productivity and sustainability. Dr. Little strongly believes that “biostimulants are the next frontier for agriculture that will allow us to feed, clothe, and house the world.”

The Evolution and Impact of Biostimulants

Dr. Little’s initial exposure to biostimulants came during her Ph.D. studies, where she focused on plant growth regulators. At that time, the regulatory landscape for biostimulants was inconsistent, creating challenges for widespread adoption.

Over the past 17 years, Dr. Little has witnessed significant shifts in the industry.

“Biostimulants have become more mainstream, with growers more openly discussing their use and benefits,” she notes.

However, the industry’s growth has also brought challenges. The influx of new companies without a deep understanding of the science behind biostimulants has led to skepticism among some growers.

“It can be a challenging environment if a grower’s first or most recent exposure was to a biostimulant that either didn’t work or didn’t work as promised,” Dr. Little explains.

To combat this, she has focused on advancing the understanding of seaweed extract-based biostimulants, training growers and consultants globally, and contributing to the scientific community through conferences and publications.

Her dedication was recognized in 2021 when she received the Outstanding Industry Scientist Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Acadian Plant Health: Vision, Mission, and Sustainable Practices

Acadian Plant Health, a division of Acadian Seaplants Limited, was established in 2016 to formalize the company’s commitment to crop agriculture. The company has a rich history dating back to 1981, when Acadian Seaplants Limited was founded in Atlantic Canada. The division’s mission is to reconcile the perceived trade-off between performance and sustainability, enabling farmers to achieve high yields while maintaining environmental stewardship.

“Our goal is to see beyond the conventional and work together to advance sustainability for the benefit of plant and planet,” Dr. Little states.

This vision is driven by the need to transform global agriculture, particularly in light of the unprecedented challenges the industry faces today. Acadian Plant Health aims to drive deep and lasting impacts on global food systems by closing the gap between biostimulants and conventional agriculture.

Sustainable Sourcing and Environmental Stewardship

Acadian Plant Health’s commitment to sustainability extends to its sourcing practices. The company’s seaweed is sourced through its parent company, Acadian Seaplants Limited, which has been conserving and sustaining the North Atlantic’s marine ecosystems for over 40 years. The seaweed species used, Ascophyllum nodosum, is not only ecologically important but also commercially valuable for agriculture, animal feed, and human wellness products.

“We are making a concerted effort to promote seaweed and environmental conservation methods,” Dr. Little explains.

The company’s resource science team ensures that harvesting methods are sustainable, including the tools used and the cutting techniques that allow the seaweed to regrow. The team also monitors the status of the Ascophyllum nodosum resource and the marine community structure before, during, and after harvest.

Acadian shares much of its resource management research publicly, contributing to broader environmental conservation efforts.

Biostimulants in Potato Farming: Enhancing Yield and Resilience

Acadian Plant Health has conducted extensive research on the impact of its biostimulants on potato crops, particularly those based on pure seaweed extracts. These biostimulants contain bioactive compounds that enhance root growth, improve stress management, and maintain yield potential during environmental stress.

“In our most recent study conducted in Brazil, we saw yield increases compared to the control and other commonly used products in the region,” Dr. Little shares.

Field trials conducted in North America in 2022 and 2023 have shown consistent yield increases of 12-14% when Acadian’s biostimulants were applied at specific times during the potato growing season.

These trials included five replicated studies, confirming the benefits observed in previous research across 24 additional trials in North America. The quality improvements in potatoes have primarily been related to size, as the trials did not report significant quality issues across treatments.

Combatting Environmental Stressors

One of the unique advantages of Acadian’s biostimulants is their ability to help plants manage environmental stressors such as drought, heat, and salinity.

“Acadian’s biostimulants help plants cope with these challenges by strengthening their natural defense mechanisms and improving resilience to adverse conditions,” Dr. Little explains.

The company’s technology, BioSwitch™, has been specifically studied for its effects on plants under heat and drought stress.

Acadian’s proprietary extraction process liberates bioactive compounds, such as mannitol, polysaccharides, and betaines, which work together to improve plant tolerance to stressful growing conditions.

By studying changes in metabolites and gene expression in crops under various environmental conditions, Acadian provides tailored advice on how best to use its products.

“By bringing rigorous science to biostimulants, we are helping to build confidence in the industry,” Dr. Little emphasizes.

Advancing Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health

Regenerative agriculture, with its focus on improving soil health, is a critical area of focus for Acadian Plant Health. Healthy soils are the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, and biostimulants play a crucial role in enhancing soil health and supporting microbial activity.

“Improving soil health will increase our ability to grow healthy, productive crops and the resiliency of our food production potential for generations,” Dr. Little asserts.

Research indicates that Acadian’s seaweed-based biostimulants significantly influence the structure and activity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere, promoting nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and plant growth.

A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports highlighted the effectiveness of Acadian’s biostimulants in stimulating the growth and symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which are essential for plant health.

The study found that Acadian’s biostimulants increased biomass and enhanced the microbiome, with connections between root systems and mycorrhizal fungi increasing by up to 211% four weeks after application.

Integration with Smart Agriculture

Acadian Plant Health is at the forefront of integrating biostimulants with smart agriculture practices. By combining biostimulants with digital farming tools, farmers can monitor weather and crop conditions in real time, allowing for proactive management of abiotic stress.

“This synergy between biostimulants and weather-monitoring tools enables more responsive, targeted, and sustainable crop management practices,” Dr. Little explains.

Precision application technology further optimizes the use of biostimulants, ensuring that plants receive the right support at the right time. This approach not only enhances crop productivity but also minimizes environmental impact, contributing to the long-term sustainability of farming operations.

Future Developments and Innovations

Acadian Plant Health continues to innovate, with several new products and technologies in the pipeline. The company is focused on two key areas: abiotic stress management and soil health.

“We are thrilled to share an update on our product pipeline, which includes our optimized ASM portfolio and a new technical ingredient powder called AscoGR-TI,” Dr. Little reveals.

The ASM portfolio represents a breakthrough in biostimulant innovation, with products designed to enhance crop resilience in challenging conditions. AscoGR-TI, on the other hand, focuses on improving soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient availability, supporting regenerative agriculture practices.

A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Acadian Plant Health is leading the charge toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. Through its innovative biostimulants, the company is helping farmers meet the dual challenges of productivity and environmental stewardship.

“By investing in biologicals, growers can achieve generational returns, ensuring their land remains fertile and productive for future generations,” Dr. Little asserts.

As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing population in the face of climate change, Acadian Plant Health’s vision of sustainable agriculture offers a promising path forward. With continued research, innovation, and collaboration, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on global food systems, ensuring a brighter future for both people and the planet.

Source: Dr. Holly Little, Director of Research and Development, Acadian Plant Health
Contact for further information:
Shannon Wentz, Global Director, Communications at Acadian Plant Health
swentz@acadian.ca
Cover image:
An Irish worker harvests Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed with a rake.
Images:
Credit Acadian Plant Health | Dr. Holly Little