Frequently asked questions about Kelpak.

Most other seaweed extracts make use of chemicals, heat, mincing or freezing to extract the active elements found in the kelp. These methods may break down a significant portion of the useful compounds found in kelp. The unique Kelpak^® cold Cellburst™ process extracts all the sensitive ingredients from the cells, preserving them and ultimately ensuring an effective, consistent and reliable end product.

We sell Kelpak^® in its pure form as a seaweed extract. We can add small amounts of macro- and/or micronutrients to meet customers' specifications or specific regulatory requirements, upon request.

Kelpak^® biostimulants contain only naturally occurring plant compounds extracted from kelp. These have no adverse effects on human or animal physiology but are highly beneficial to plant development and health. Kelpak^® biostimulants contain several natural active compounds that are highly beneficial to plants and found only in Ecklonia maxima kelp, processed using the cold Cellburst™ method.

Kelpak^® formulated for use in organic farming is light brown in colour, much like the actual seaweed. Kelpak^® formulations containing nutrients contain a green dye, indicating that these products have been developed to suit specific regional requirements.

No. Kelpak^® contains compounds that, when applied to plants, support natural processes by improving nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality. Kelpak^® contains only a small amount of nutrients, and when diluted to the recommended application rates, it will not contribute any significant amount of nutrients to the plant. However, when used alongside traditional spray programs, Kelpak^® will enhance the root system, resulting in better uptake of nutrients in the soil.

Ecklonia maxima contains components that generate auxin-like responses in the plant, with particular emphasis on root growth and pollen germination and pollen tube growth. The most commonly used kelp from the Northern Hemisphere, Ascophyllum nodosom, contains actives that result in cytokinin-like responses in plants, with the majority of these effects involving enhancement of aerial parts of the plant. The actives in Ecklonia maxima are important for early root development and plant establishment. Depending on the extraction method, an Ecklonia maxima extract may also contain phenolic compounds (phlorotannins) and polyamines that can protect the plant against abiotic stress and support cell division, among other functions. Kelpak^®’s Cellburst™ extraction process ensures high levels of all these bioactive compounds, producing a biostimulant with these growth-enhancing properties.

The biological activity of powder products is usually lower than that of liquid products on account of the drying process. Powder products may also be difficult to dissolve in water and could block spraying equipment if not properly dissolved.

Kelpak^®’s kelp-harvesting concession from the South African Government extends from the RSC boundary at Klein Koëlbaai near Bakoven to the Simon’s Town municipal border at Rocklands Point. However, much of this concession includes Marine Protected Areas, from which no marine products can be collected. We harvest all our kelp from two areas within our concession: the Soetwater area near Kommetjie and an area off the western shore of Cape Point.

Ecklonia maxima is a very fast-growing kelp that reaches maturity between 18 and 24 months. We harvest our seaweed on a rotational basis, with each section harvested again only after 24 months, once the kelp has regrown to full maturity. We harvest only by hand, since mechanical harvesting would be extremely inefficient and would cause significant ecological damage. Hand harvesting also ensures divers select only plants of the correct species and only those above the minimum legal size (50 cm), cutting the stipe (stem) just above the holdfast. This leaves the entire plant available for use. The remaining holdfast shelters small sporophytes and allows them to develop quickly, repopulating the harvested areas. Independent scientific research has shown that space on rocks and sunlight availability are the only factors limiting the growth of new Ecklonia maxima sporophytes; thus, our harvesting procedure enables rapid repopulation of harvested areas by opening up these spaces.

Kelpak^® is manufactured using no chemicals and without harmful additives. Toxicology reports indicate no harmful effects on bees, birds, fish or mammals.

Toxicology reports indicate no harmful effects on bees, birds, fish or mammals, but if your dog starts to photosynthesise, contact your vet immediately!

Kelpak^® improves plant growth that subsequently improves fruit size and fruit quality as a secondary effect. Kelpak^® contains natural plant elements that leave no residue on crops and have no adverse effects on humans, even if ingested in its pure form.

Applying Kelpak^® only once in a season may not offer the product's full range of benefits. Kelpak^® essentially boosts, or “wakes up”, a plant's metabolism so it can grow actively. Therefore, while Kelpak^® can technically be applied to plants whenever new growth is required, we normally recommend a crop-specific application program. Kelpak^®’s crop-specific application recommendations are based on intensive scientific studies and, when followed closely, will ensure that you get the best result by applying it at optimal growth stages.

As with other systemic agrochemicals, Kelpak^® should be applied at times when the plant is metabolically most active as well as when environmental conditions are favourable. Too hot or too cold temperatures will reduce optimal absorption by the plant. Wet leaf surfaces and application during extremely dry or humid conditions will also negatively affect absorption. Therefore, apply Kelpak^® early in the morning or late in the afternoon or evening, when outside temperatures are moderate, and wind speeds are below 15 km/h.

It is unlikely that overdosing can occur, as Kelpak^® can be applied relatively undiluted, even up to 10% solutions. However, the recommended dilution rates on our labels are based on 5 decades of scientific research, ensuring the user gets the best return on investment. It is also very important to adhere to our recommended optimal application timings for best results.

Kelpak^® can be applied successfully through hydroponic nutrient flow systems. For optimum effect, we recommend that Kelpak^® be diluted no more than 1:1000 (1 part Kelpak^® to 1000 parts of water/nutrient solution). Apply Kelpak^® as a pulse, no more frequently than every 10 days. It is important to maintain the pH of the water/nutrient solution below 7.

Depending on the nature of the stressful environment and the physiological state of the plant, plants can be treated either with a foliar application or with a root drench. For stressed plants that are wilted (salt stress, drought stress, sun scorch, etc.), we recommend pouring Kelpak^® at the base of the plant with a watering can at a concentration of 0.5-1.0%. The stomata of wilted plants are closed and therefore will not absorb any significant amount of Kelpak^® when applied to the foliage. For stressed plants that are not wilted (hail damage, animal feeding, disease), apply Kelpak^® as a foliar spray at a concentration between 0.3-0.5%. Although Kelpak^® can be applied during or after stress conditions to help reduce plant damage, we strongly recommend applying Kelpak^® proactively, before the stress occurs. This allows the plant to prepare for the stress, providing greater protection than applying Kelpak^® during or after the stress.

Kelpak^® can be added in a tank mix with most fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides and other agrochemicals. To maintain the product's performance in spray mixes, keep the pH below 7 and add the Kelpak^® last. Care should be taken to never dilute Kelpak^® more than 1:500 for foliar applications and 1:1000 for drip irrigation.

pH buffer: Since most plant growth regulators are most active and readily absorbed at a pH between 4 and 7, we recommend adding a pH buffer when the pH of the spray mixture is above 7. Wetter/spreader/sticker: It is advantageous to add a wetter/spreader/sticker to the spray mix as it increases the area that Kelpak^® has in contact with the leaf surface and promotes absorption. A sticker product is recommended for upright plants with waxy cuticles (such as onions).

After opening, we recommend that Kelpak^® be stored in a cool, dry area and be used within 3 weeks. Because Kelpak^® is made from a natural source, it is susceptible to environmental microorganisms. Although these microorganisms may grow on/in Kelpak^® after opening, the product's beneficial activity remains intact for long periods; however, clogging of irrigation or spray equipment may occur if left too long.

Due to stringent and varied regulations, some Kelpak^® products are only available in certain regions. Please enquire directly with our head office regarding product distribution in your area.