African herb and nanotechnology combine for “amazing” results
Maize seeds quickly germinate and become thriving seedlings when primed with fertiliser made from nanoparticles extracted from an indigenous African herb, impepho.
This potent herb (helichrysum odoratissimum), also known as kooigoed and African sage, is at the centre of the research of Dr Bongiwe Dhlamini-Zungu, a recent PhD graduate in chemistry from the North-West University (NWU). Her study focused on developing nano-engineered, environmentally friendly fertilisers designed to boost crop yields with reduced inputs.