New Species Domestication

Commercially Valuable Species

At Hortimare, we bridge the gap between research and large-scale production, focusing on the domestication of commercially valuable species. Our approach is holistic—whether working with land-based or ocean-based systems, we address the critical challenges that limit upscaling.

New species require new strategies

Pinpointing Effective Cultivation Strategies

Each species has unique environmental needs across its life stages. Our team specialises in identifying and fine-tuning these conditions to optimize growth and ensure successful life cycle management for these species.

We explore both indoor and sea-based cultivation techniques, tailoring our methods to suit the needs of each species. Thanks to years of experience and the right equipment, we can pinpoint the most effective cultivation strategies and determine which stages of the life cycle would lead to maximum production.

Examples of our work are Palmaria palmata and Asparagopsis spp. For the latter, we have developed distinct approaches utilising its sporophyte stage for indoor cultivation, while focusing on gametophytes for ocean-based production. This versatility and deep understanding are what set us apart in the field of new species domestication.

Our Domestication Process

With thousands of seaweed species worldwide, and diverse expanding commercial interest, the possibilities for cultivation are near endless. Hortimare has developed a standardized pipeline to identify the feasibility of new species domestication for commercial application.

Species in Development

Gracilaria spp.

Gracilaria species are vital for aquaculture feed and produce over 90% of global agar, a key ingredient in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Rich in nutrients, Gracilaria has also been a staple in East Asian diets for millennia, especially in Indonesia, Japan, and Vietnam.

Laurencia sp.

Laurencia, a red algal genus from temperate to subtropical waters, shows promise for cultivation. Rich in halogenated metabolites and terpenes, it has potential in pharmaceuticals, antifouling agents, and antibiotics, making it a valuable resource for sustainable biotechnology.

Osmundea sp.

Osmundea pinnatifida, or “pepper dulse,” is an edible red seaweed valued for its spicy flavor and culinary versatility. Its unique taste drives interest in cultivation, with research focusing on optimizing growth and comparing it to its relative, Laurencia sp.

Dictyota dichotoma

Dictyota, a brown algal genus, is valued for its bioactive compounds with antiherbivore, antibiofouling, and medicinal applications. With a global presence, it shows potential in marine sustainability and natural products. Clean cultures and fertility experiments are underway.

Caulerpa lentillifera

Known as “green caviar,” Caulerpa lentillifera (sea grapes) is prized for its taste and nutritional value, rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. However, cultivation faces challenges like inbreeding due to vegetative propagation. We are exploring partnerships to close the lifecycle.

Codium sp.

Codium fragile, a green macroalga, is both an invasive challenge and a valuable resource. Its bioactive compounds, like sulfated galactan and siphonaxanthin, offer potential in biotechnology, aquaculture, and medicine. Studying its growth and adaptability opens doors for sustainable cultivation and innovative uses.

Your choice for the domestication of commercially valuable species

Developed by Experts

Proven Track Record
Large International Team
Specialised Expertise
Trust and Open Communication

Advanced R&D

Fundamental Discoveries and
Ongoing Optimisation
Collaborating with Leading Institutes
Specialised Facilities
Transferring Plant Breeding Methodologies to seaweed
Practical Mindset
Client Focused

Quality Assured

Four-Eyes-Principle
Built-In Redundancies and Backups
+ 17.000 Quality Checks throughout the Year
Culture Health Checks
Production Capacity Forecasting
Seedling Quantification and Density Control
In-house Outgrowth Validation for Farm Performance