Sea algae extract

Sea algae extract	Last updated: 18/02/2026
(Also known as: Marine algae extracts; Seaweed extract)

Hazard alerts

The following Pesticide Hazard Tricolour (PHT) alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. The alerts for Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) are based on applying the FAO/WHO (Type 1) and the PAN (Type II) criteria to PPDB data. Further details on the HHP indicators are given in the tables below. Neither the PHT nor the HHP hazard alerts take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus they do not represent risk.

PHT: Environmental fate	PHT: Ecotoxicity	PHT: Human health	Highly Hazardous Pesticide
	Ecotoxicity Moderate alert: Fish acute ecotoxicity: Moderate; Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: Moderate	Human health Low alert

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description

Aqueous extracts of various species of seaweed (e.g. Sargassum) that can be used as a plant growth regulator and biostimulant for various horticultural crops

Example pests controlled

Growth; Vigour; Stress

Example applications

Legumes; Carrots

Efficacy & activity

Sea algae extracts have been extensively studied as biostimulants and a significant body of evidence exists demonstrating improved plant growth, nutrition, quality, yield and stress tolerance (drought, salt conditions). Generally, overall plant perfomance improves following application including increased root growth & mineral uptake, as well as enhanced chlorophyll content. Various different seaweed extracts have been used in product formulations with brown algae the most commonly used. However, efficacy has been shown to be dependant on various factors including the source of seaweed, the extraction method utilised, how it is stored and formulated.

Appearance and life cycle

Taxonomic classification

GB regulatory status

GB COPR regulatory status

Not approved

Date COPR inclusion expires

Not applicable

GB LERAP status

No UK approval for use as a plant protection agent

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Not approved

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Belgium/Italy

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

Not applicable

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Listed in EU database

Yes

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece
	✓
ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg

LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway

Additional information

Known to be also used in the following countries

USA

Chemical structure

Isomerism

Not applicable

Chemical formula

Canonical SMILES

Isomeric SMILES

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

2D structure diagram/image available?

General status

Biopesticide type

Other substance

Other bioactivity & uses

Biostimulant - improved abiotic stress resiliance; growth enhancement & improved nutrient use efficiency

Substance groups

Plant-derived substance; Marine algae-based biostimulant

Minimum active substance purity

Known relevant impurities

EU dossier - none declared

Substance origin

Natural; Complex mixture

Mode of action

Biostimulant mechanisms are not fully understood with various potential pathways identified. A phytoelicitor activity appears to improve defence responses in plants that contribute to the various biostimulant effects. Other research suggests that the beneficial effects appear to be largely a function of other biomolecules (carbohydrates, polyphenols, etc.), which modulate gene expression and induce metabolic changes in plants.

Substance source

Extracts from one or more of the following species: Ascophyllium nodosum, Lammaria spp., Macrocystis integrifolia, Fucales spp. and others

Mixture composition

Sea algae extracts contain a diverse array of primary and secondary metabolites, varying by species, harvest conditions, season, and extraction method. The major fraction is comprised of polysaccharides (20-50%) and these include alginic acid/alginates (20-30% in brown algae), fucoidans (5-15%), laminarin (beta-glucan reserve polysaccharide), ulvans (in green algae), carrageenans (in red algae). Proteins/peptides and amino acids are also a significant component with variable concentrations at around 10–20%. Minerals and trace elements can also be a major component (5-25%). Phenolic compounds/polyphenols can account for 10% or more and these substances include phlorotannins (unique to brown algae), flavonoids, bromophenols, phenolic acids. Mannitol (an osmoprotectant) can be present at 5–10% in some brown species. Sea algae extracts will also contain small amounts of plant growth regulators and hormones such as auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, betaines, polyamines as well as lipids and fatty acids. In terms of its bioactivity, no single compound dominates, as efficacy arises from synergistic interactions among the mixture. However, key contributors to biopesticide activity include sulphated polysaccharides, alginic acid/alginates and phlorotannins and other polyphenols.

Uses

Crop protection; Yield enhancement; Biostimulant

Target pests

Target host

Legumes; Carrots

Farming system suitability

Suitable for use in all farming systems where approved for use in that country

CAS RN

EC number

CIPAC number

US EPA chemical code

PubChem CID

Molecular mass

Chemical name

Sea algae extracts

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

IUPAC name

CAS name

Global Governance status: Listed (✓) under

UK Poisons List Order 1972	Rotterdam Convention	Montreal Protocol
XNo The Poisons List Order 1972	XNo Rotterdam Convention	XNo Montreal Protocol
Stockholm Convention	OSPAR	EU Water Framework Directive
XNo Stockholm Convention	XNo OSPAR	XNo EU Water Framework Directive

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Forever chemical

Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHP)

Type I

Type II

Other status information

Herbicide Resistance Class (HRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Herbicide Resistance Class (WSSA MoA class)

Not applicable

Insecticide Resistance Class (IRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Fungicide Resistance Class (FRAC MOA class)

Not applicable

Examples of recorded resistance

Physical state

Green-brown coloured liquid

Related substances & organisms

Ascophillum nodosum extract

24-epibrassinolide

Ecklonia maxima extract

Durvillea potatorum extract

Sargassum muticum extract

Chlorella vulgaris extract

Commercial

Property

Value

Availability status

Current

Introduction & key dates

Circa 1950, introduced

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Bionema Group
Biolchim SA, Italy
Goemar Le Laboratoire de la mar S.A
Asfeleia srl
Oilean Glas Teoranta

Example products using this active

Groprim
Actiwave
Althia
Kelpgrow
AlgaeGreen 500
NueCombi

Formulation and application details

Usually supplied as an aqueous solution and applied as a spray

Commercial production

The exact process used to produce the extract will vary depending on the Sea algae species. Generally, the seaweed is harvested, dried and ground into a powder. The valuable bioactive components are then extracted using various techniques including solvent extract, heat, microwave technologies or hydrolysis. The resulting material is then purified and formulated.

Impact on climate of production and use

While precise life cycle assessments are still emerging, early analyses suggest that seaweed- and algae-based biostimulants may emit less than 1 kg CO₂e per kg of product, depending on the production system.

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Solubility - In water at 20 °C at pH 7 (mg l⁻¹)

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

Melting point (°C)

Boiling point (°C)

Degradation point (°C)

Flashpoint (°C)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

Log P

Fat solubility of residues

Solubility

Data type

Density (g ml⁻¹)

1.07

range 1.03-1.11

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost

From plant surface

From soil surface

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

range 23.1 - 70.5

Degradation

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

General biodegradability

Readily biodegradable

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₅₀ (field)

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

DT₉₀ (field)

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix

Value

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix

Value

Note

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Value

Note

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Value

Note

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Sediment phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Air degradation

As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below.

Decay in stored produce DT₅₀

Soil adsorption and mobility

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Linear

K_d (mL g⁻¹)

K_oc (mL g⁻¹)

Notes and range

Freundlich

K_f (mL g⁻¹)

K_foc (mL g⁻¹)

¹/_n

Notes and range

pH sensitivity

Known metabolites

None

ECOTOXICOLOGY

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

No adverse effects identified or expected

Birds - Short term dietary LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ dw soil)

> 1000

Expert judgement

Low

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹ dw soil)

Soil micro-organisms

Collembola

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

Non-target plants

Vegetative vigour ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

Seedling emergence ER₅₀ (g ha⁻¹)

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

> 100

Expert judgement

Low

Chronic

Notes

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps)

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites)

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Beneficial insects (Butterflies)

Contact

Notes

Oral

Notes

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

100

Oncorhynchus mykiss as NOEC

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

100

Daphnia magna as product NOEC

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic Plants (free-floating, fonds growth, fresh) - 7 day (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic plants (rooted, growth rate, fresh) - 14 day (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Chronic (growth rate, fresh; mg l⁻¹) (72 hr ErC10, Static)

> 100

Raphidocelis subcapitata

Low

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

Marine bivalves

Regulatory Threshold Levels (RTLs) used to calculate Total Applied Toxicity (TAT)

Species group

RTL

Notes

Mammals

200

Worst case of acute and chronic mammals

Birds

No data

No data for acute and chronic birds

Soil organisms

200

Worst case of acute and chronic earthworms

Terrestrial plants

No data

No data for non-target plants vegetative vigour and seedling emergence

Pollinators

No data

No data for contact and oral honeybees

Arthropods

No data

No data for parasitic wasps and predatory mites

Fish

Worst case of temperate acute and chronic fish

Aquatic invertebrates

Worst case of temperate acute and chronic aquatic invertebrates

Aquatic plants

Worst case of free-floating plants, rooted plants, acute and chronic algae

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

General

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 2000

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short Term Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Long Term (Chronic) Oral NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

> 2000

Rat

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

Dermal penetration studies (%)

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Public

Occupational

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Health issues

Specific human health issues (hazard-based)

Carcinogen

Genotoxic

Endocrine disruptor

; ; ; ;

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

Neurotoxicant

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin irritant

Skin sensitiser

No data found

Eye irritant

Phototoxicant

No data found

General human health issues

No serious adverse health effects noted
May cause gastrointestinal problems

Handling issues

Property

Value and interpretation

General

IMDG Transport Hazard Class 3

CLP classification 2013

WHO Classification

Not listed (Not listed)

UN Number

UN1197

Waste disposal & packaging

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

TRANSLATIONS

Language

Name

English

Sea algae extract

French

German

Danish

Italian

Spanish

Greek

Polish

Swedish

Hungarian

Dutch

Norwegian

Record last updated:	18/02/2026
Contact:	aeru@herts.ac.uk
Please cite as:	Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242

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