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.
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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
Dictyota dichotoma
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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.
Laurencia sp.
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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.
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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.
Gracilaria spp.
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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.
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