Bayer launches seaweed-based biostimulant in China

Bayer has introduced its first seaweed-derived biostimulant in China, marking an expansion of its crop efficiency portfolio in the country. The product, named An Hai Long, was launched on April 22 at the company’s Innovation Hub in Danyang, Jiangsu province.

An Hai Long is based on extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum, a seaweed species native to the North Atlantic. Bayer stated that the extract, processed through a proprietary multi-step method and MOPAB targeting technology, retains high levels of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, amino acids, laminarin, and trace elements. These components enhance crop resilience, nutrient uptake, and soil conditions.

The company emphasized that the biostimulant addresses issues commonly faced in agriculture, including soil degradation, limited nutrient absorption, and climate-related stress. According to Bayer, An Hai Long is suitable for both field and high-value crops and can be applied via foliar spray or root drenching.

Field trials were presented at the launch, featuring comparative tests on strawberries, grapes, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Bayer reported that treated crops demonstrated improved physiological traits such as increased leaf size, stem thickness, and faster fruit coloration. For instance, strawberry plants reportedly showed more vigorous runner development, while tomato and grape plants exhibited enhanced vegetative growth and fruit setting rates.

Bayer described three core advantages of An Hai Long: the use of high-quality raw materials, elevated bioactive content, and strict production standards. The product is offered in various sizes—200 milliliters, 1 liter, and 5 liters—to cater to different farm scales.

The launch is part of Bayer’s broader Delai crop efficiency program in China, which integrates biostimulants with other agricultural inputs to improve productivity and sustainability. The company noted that the demand for such products is increasing as farmers seek solutions that can improve both yield and crop quality.

According to Bayer, An Hai Long contains over 200 grams per liter of organic matter and more than 90 grams per liter of potassium oxide. The company expects the product to contribute to more resilient and productive cropping systems in China’s agricultural sector.