More particularly, the invention relates to a preservative for an algae product and a plant product.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Historically preservatives which have been used with algae products such as kelp or seaweed have been mixtures containing substances such as, for example, alcohols, formaldehyde, pure acetic acid or a mixture of sodium alkyl hydroxy benzoates (methyl, butyl and isobutyl), known in the trade as Nipacide A Sodium. When acetic acid has been used as a preservative, it has been used in an almost pure concentration of approximately ninety-nine percent (99%) per volume.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a preservative for an algae product, wherein the preservative includes peroxyacetic acid.

The algae product may be, for example, kelp or seaweed. The preservative is preferably used with an algae product in the form of a liquid or a paste.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a preservative for an agricultural product, wherein the preservative includes peroxyacetic acid.

The agricultural product may be a plant product and may comprise one of a variety of types of plant products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A peroxyacetic acid solution is used as a preservative for an algae product such as kelp or seaweed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention. When the peroxyacetic acid solution is added to the algae product, it is present in a chemical equilibrium for about twenty-four hours (24 hr) and it then breaks down into water and acetic acid. The chemical equilibrium reaction is as follows : H202 + CH3C (O) OH <> CH3C (O) O-OH + H2O (Hydrogen peroxide + acetic acid <> peroxyacetic acid + water) The peroxyacetic acid in the solution is the initial preservative for the algae and the broken down product of the equilibrium, acetic acid, is then the effective later preservative for the algae.

In order for it to be used, algae is liquidised to form the required consistency of algae product. The algae product is used in either a liquid or a paste form. This algae product in liquid or paste form has many uses, for example, it can

be used as a plant growth regulator, in a drink or in various types of cosmetics. The preservative protects the algae from damage and degradation during storage and before use.

The preservative may also be used with other agricultural products such as various types of plant products in order to protect these products from damage and degradation during storage and before use. Examples of such plant products are garlic, lemons and chillies.

The agricultural products with which the preservative may be used also have many uses such as, for example, in a drink, in food or in various types of cosmetics.