Rain triggers surge in SeaBoost demand as growers race to establish oilseed rape

Growers moved quickly this month to establish oilseed rape following the return of rainfall, with concern over Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle adding to demand for SeaBoost, created in partnership by Sea2Soil and QLF Agronomy for Agrovista’s Innovation Range.

Demand for SeaBoost has risen sharply following rainfall across parts of the UK, as growers have taken advantage of improved soil moisture to drill and establish oilseed rape.

An exceptionally dry July and August allowed many farmers to complete harvest early, but a lack of moisture prevented some from drilling oilseed rape as soon as they had intended. Rain during early September has now created an important establishment window, while soil and air temperatures remain warm.

With Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle pressure also causing concern, growers are looking at applying SeaBoost as a deterrent against this pest and also to help emerging crops establish strongly and grow away from potential feeding damage.

“SeaBoost demand has gone through the roof,” says David P. Maxwell, National Sales Director at QLF Agronomy. “Farmers came through harvest incredibly quickly and wanted to get oilseed rape into the ground, but there simply wasn’t enough moisture in many areas.

“Now that rain has arrived, they aren’t hanging around. Growers want to give crops the best possible chance of getting out of the ground, establishing strongly and growing away from flea beetle pressure.

“There is also concern that autumn could settle in quickly and bring prolonged rainfall, so farmers are looking to make the most of the opportunity while conditions allow.”

Supporting crop establishment

Distributed by Agrovista, SeaBoost combines Sea2Soil—an amino acid-rich fish hydrolysate—with L-CBF TerraFed, a liquid carbon fertiliser based on molasses.

Sea2Soil provides naturally balanced amino acids, fatty acids, trace elements and organic nitrogen, supporting root exudation and microbial enzyme activity. L-CBF TerraFed supplies fermentable sugars and fulvic acid to energise microbial populations and help improve the carbon-to-nitrogen balance.

Together, the components are complementary, intended to support soil biological activity, early crop nutrition, root development and crop establishment.

Agrovista agronomists tested the concept commercially last season by tank mixing Sea2Soil and L-CBF products. Reports from the field included visible greening of oilseed rape crops, even where flea beetle pressure was relatively low.

“Recent experience has shown us that several different tactics can add up to improve the chances of successful oilseed rape establishment,” says Chris Martin, Agrovista’s head of soils.

“That includes the use of organic soil amendments. SeaBoost brings together amino acids, nutrients and a readily available carbon source in a formulation designed to support biological activity and plant establishment.”

NIAB trials demonstrate reduced feeding damage

Independent NIAB greenhouse trials have also examined Sea2Soil’s effect on feeding damage caused by cabbage stem flea beetle.

The trials recorded a 90% reduction in feeding damage to oilseed rape leaves 12 days after Sea2Soil application. Damage to stems was reduced by 59% 22 days after application.

The findings indicate a potential role for Sea2Soil in an integrated approach to crop establishment and flea beetle management, alongside drilling decisions, soil moisture, crop nutrition and other agronomic measures.

SeaBoost does not kill cabbage stem flea beetles and should not be viewed as a direct replacement for crop protection products. Instead, its potential lies in supporting stronger establishment while helping to make the emerging crop less susceptible to feeding damage.

Chris adds: “It’s like the ultimate biostimulant—ticking every box of what a grower would want from one. I really think we will find that every acre of oilseed rape could benefit from using it.”

Further autumn trials planned

Further trials to find the best timing to apply SeaBoost to test its deterrent activity in a more controlled manner are planned for this coming autumn. Agrovista will also be looking at further product development, including investigating mixing with its cellulose nanofibre product, Nanomesh, which acts as a physical barrier against the pest, to find out whether that approach provides even further protection.

For further information about SeaBoost, recommended application timings or availability, contact the team at Agrovista’s Innovation Range.

For further information about Sea2Soil, recommended application timings or availability, contact the Sea2Soil team.

For further information about L-CBF TerraFed, recommended application timings or availability, contact the QLF Agronomy team.