Carrageenan plant growth regulator (CPGR) has recently been found to increase rice yield by more than 65 percent. Carrageenan is an indigestible polysaccharide (carbohydrate) extracted from edible seaweeds. It is mainly used as thickener or stabilizer in the food industry or as a binding agent for domestic products such as toothpaste and shampoo, and in many biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. Results of studies conducted by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI) showed that when polysaccharide is subjected to modified irradiation technology can be an effective growth promoter. At a very small dose, CPGR is an effective organic fertilizer. Researchers from UPLB-NCPC also found CPGR as inducer of resistance against rice’s major pests.

Carrageenan from seaweeds: A breakthrough that boosts rice productivity. (2015, December 28). Panay News, pp. C5, C7.