The composition includes extracts from fast-growing plants (including seaweeds) mixed with phospholipids and a surfactant, presented at an acidic pH. It is sprayed on crop plants as a weak watery suspension to benefit plant growth and plant immunity/defense mechanisms indirectly. The level of natural defenses against pests and disease organisms is raised by included plant elicitors, effectors and stimulants. The ecological balance of soil bacteria is affected beneficially, contributing to the holistic effect. An arthropod knock-down effect is believed to be mediated through stimulation of commensal bacteria found on the epidermis of plants and of animals.