AgriSea for Viticulture

Build stronger, more resilient vines from the ground up. AgriSea's seaweed-based nutrition supports canopy establishment, flowering, berry development and post-harvest recovery through the seasonal demands of New Zealand viticulture.

Cold-brewed seaweed nutrition engineered for the seasonal demands of New Zealand viticulture, from spring bud burst and canopy establishment through to harvest and post-harvest vine recovery.

AgriSea's seaweed-based biostimulant products have been helping New Zealand and Pacific horticultural growers improve crop performance and resilience for over 25 years. Made from sustainably harvested New Zealand brown kelp (Ecklonia radiata) and cold-brewed using our proprietary process, AgriSea preserves the natural spectrum of bioactive compounds that support vine performance, root function and fruit quality.

Viticulture rewards precision. Strong spring canopy establishment, reliable flowering and fruit set, consistent berry development through summer, and effective post-harvest vine recovery all depend on keeping the vine physiologically balanced through periods of high demand. AgriSea helps provide that foundation by supporting root-zone biology, nutrient availability and plant resilience when timing matters most.

Key Benefits

11.1% increase in average bunch weight

Bunch weight increases varied from 4.4% to 17.8%

AgriSea Foliar Nutrition has been shown to cause a significant freezing point depression at the bud level, by as much as 1.5°C to 2°C

Thicker, more resilient cuticles and larger greener leaves

"Conal Wotham"

150% increase in earthworm populations across trial sites

The AgriSea Difference: Why Our Brewing Process Matters

Not all seaweed extracts are equal. Many commercial products are produced using alkaline or heat-based hydrolysis. These methods are efficient for volume, but they can compromise the biological integrity of sensitive compounds that matter in crop response.

AgriSea's cold-brewing process uses no harsh heat, chemicals, freezing or drying. Instead, Ecklonia radiata is processed at ambient temperature through mechanical blending, hydration and gentle pressing so that naturally occurring compounds remain in a functional state.

For viticulture, that matters in three practical ways:

  • Intact plant-signalling compounds support flowering and fruit set. During the critical window from bud burst through to post-flowering, vines benefit from biostimulant inputs that help maintain metabolic momentum, support pollination and maximise berry set.
  • Preserved phlorotannins contribute to stress resilience. Vines can lose performance under heat, wind, drought or disease pressure. Retaining the natural antioxidant fraction helps support resilience during the summer months when water deficit and heat events are most likely.
  • High-molecular-weight alginates support the root environment. Soil structure, moisture-holding capacity and biological activity are central to consistent vine performance. AgriSea helps build a more functional rhizosphere that supports root activity and nutrient uptake across the season.

Specific Help for Your Vineyard

Practical guidance for using AgriSea with grapevines at different stages.

Young Vines

Vine Establishment

Supporting strong root development and early canopy growth helps young vines establish quickly and build the structure needed for future production.

Stimulate feeder-root development and mycorrhizal colonisation

Encourage early canopy growth and shoot development

Improve soil biological activity around the young root zone

Reduce transplant stress and support strong early vine establishment

Building Vine Structure

Balanced vegetative growth in the early years helps set the framework for future flowering, fruit set and crop consistency.

Support strong leader and cane development

Encourage balanced vegetative growth without excessive softness

Improve nutrient movement through the vine during active growth

Build a resilient canopy structure for future production

Mature Vines

Flowering and Fruit Set

The period from bud burst through to fruit set is one of the most important stages in the viticulture season.

Support vine energy during flowering and pollination

Deliver natural plant signalling compounds to support fruit set

Maintain vine resilience during environmental stress

Ensure balanced nutrition during this high-demand reproductive stage

Post-Harvest Recovery

Post-harvest recovery is essential for replenishing vine reserves and preparing for the following season.

Support root activity and soil biological function after harvest

Replenish carbohydrate and mineral reserves before dormancy

Encourage vine balance heading into winter

Improve resilience and support strong, uniform bud burst next spring

Orchard Health

Root Health and Soil Function

Healthy soils and active root systems are essential for consistent vine performance and fruit quality.

Improve soil structure and moisture-holding capacity

Stimulate beneficial microbial populations in the rhizosphere

Support root activity and nutrient uptake

Build long-term soil resilience for more consistent vine performance

Stress Resilience and Fruit Quality

Vines can lose performance under heat, wind, drought or disease pressure, especially through summer and ripening.

Support vine resilience during dry, windy or hot conditions

Help maintain canopy function during periods of high metabolic demand

Support even berry development and ripening

Improve crop consistency through seasonal pressure points

Application Rates and Timing

Follow these recommended application rates and timing for optimal vineyard performance.

Foliar Nutrition

Target: The canopy (focusing on leaf underside)

Mix Rate: Minimum 1:100 ratio with water

Always monitor your specific vineyard's development rather than the calendar date.

Growth Stage

NZ Timing

Dose Rate

Specific Intention

Bud Burst

Aug – Sept

5L/ha, or 2L/ha 4-weekly

Early canopy vigour.Drives rapid shoot elongation and leaf expansion to establish a strong photosynthetic canopy early

Pre-Flowering

Oct – Nov

5L/ha, or 2L/ha 4-weekly

Flowering support.Delivers natural cytokinins to emerging flower clusters and improves flowering strength

Post-Flowering (Fruit Set)

Nov – Dec

5L/ha, or 2L/ha 4-weekly

Cell division and berry size.Supports maximum cell multiplication in the developing berry

Berry Development and Véraison

Dec – Feb

5L/ha, or 2L/ha 4-weekly

Sugar accumulation and colour.Supports sugar movement into the berry, even véraison, improved Brix and anthocyanin development in red varieties

Soil & Ocean Nutrition

Target: The root zone / fertigation

Mix Rate: Minimum 1:100 ratio, or 5% solution for direct drenching

Intention: To build a robust soil engine that can meet the sustained nutrient demands of a high-cropping vine through the growing season.

Growth Stage

NZ Timing

Dose Rate

Specific Intention

At Planting

Planting

5% Solution Root Dip

Establishment. Reduces transplant shock and stimulates rapid mycorrhizal colonisation

Pre-Bud Burst

Jul – Aug

5L Soil / 5–10L Ocean

Microbial wake-up. Stimulates soil biology ahead of bud burst and unlocks legacy phosphorus and nitrogen

Rapid Spring Growth & Set

Sept – Nov

5L Soil / 5–10L Ocean

Nutrient buffer. Provides broad mineral support during rapid growth, flowering and fruit set

Summer / Post-Véraison

Jan – Mar

5L Soil / 5–10L Ocean

Root health and mineral uptake. Maintains soil moisture-holding capacity and biological activity during dry summer months

Post-Harvest / Dormancy

Apr – Jun (Post-Pick)

5L Soil / 5–10L Ocean

Vine replenishment. Rebuilds carbohydrate and mineral reserves before dormancy

Soil+ and Combo+

Target: Groundspread application

Soil+ rate: 20 kg/ha

Combo+ rate: 30 kg/ha

Apply two to four times a year with your fertiliser program.

Note: These are general guidelines. Actual application rates may vary based on vine age, vineyard conditions, soil type, and specific challenges. For specific advice tailored to your vineyard, consult with an AgriSea field consultant.

Application Methods

AgriSea products can be applied in multiple ways to suit your avocado orchard management system.

Foliar spray

Fertigation / soil application

Mixed with irrigation water

Groundspread with solid nutrients or compost

Find an AgriSea approved applicator

Case Studies & Research

Explore vineyard case studies, independent trials and research insights to see how AgriSea programmes support vine health, soil structure and long-term vineyard productivity.

CASE STUDIES

Vilagrad Vineyard: From Struggling Vines to Premium Wine in Just Weeks

Eight years ago, this prestigious 5th-generation Waikato vineyard was struggling despite rigorous soil testing and traditional fertilizer programs. When winemaker Jacob Nooyan tried AgriSea Foliar Nutrition, the transformation was dramatic: yellow leaves turned dark green in just 2-3 weeks, fermentation success improved, and fruit ripened better than control rows. The result? Healthier vines producing premium wine.

CASE STUDIES

Byles & Carroll Avocado Orchard: Bigger Fruit, Better Pack Out with AgriSea-Only Program

Scott Byles and Corrine Carroll transformed their Western Bay of Plenty avocado orchard from a "hit and miss" operation to a thriving 70 bins per hectare producer. The breakthrough came when they purchased their own sprayer and switched to an AgriSea-only foliar program applied every two weeks. The results? Bigger fruit, better pack out, and a healthier orchard that keeps pace with warmer coastal properties.

Recommended Products

These AgriSea products are well suited to supporting vine health, soil biology, berry development and recovery through the season.

Scroll to see more products →

Frequently asked questions

How does AgriSea support viticulture?

AgriSea's cold-brewed Ecklonia radiata products support root function, canopy establishment, flowering, berry development and post-harvest vine recovery. They are designed to complement a sound nutrition programme and help the vine operate more efficiently through key pressure points in the season.

Why does the cold-brewing process matter for grapevines?

Grapevine performance depends heavily on timing, root activity and the vine's ability to manage stress without losing momentum. Preserving sensitive seaweed compounds in their natural state helps deliver a broader biological signal than heavily processed extracts, particularly important during flowering, fruit set and the post-harvest recovery phase.

Can AgriSea be used alongside a standard fertiliser programme?

Yes. AgriSea is designed to complement, not replace, a sound vineyard nutrition programme. It works best when integrated with good soil management, irrigation and crop monitoring.

Will AgriSea replace crop protection inputs?

No. AgriSea is a biostimulant programme, not a pesticide or fungicide. It should be used as part of a broader vineyard management system rather than as a substitute for disease, pest or nutrition planning.

When is the most important timing in viticulture?

The highest-leverage periods are typically pre-bud burst soil activation, flowering to fruit set, summer berry development through véraison, and post-harvest vine replenishment. Exact timing should always be matched to vine stage, variety and local seasonal conditions.

Is AgriSea certified organic?

Yes. AgriSea's orchard and vineyard-focused products are BioGro Organic certified and Non-GMO certified, making them suitable for organic and premium production systems where those certifications apply.

Ready to Strengthen Your Viticulture Programme?

Talk to your local AgriSea Area Field Consultant about building a programme tailored to your vineyard, variety and production goals.