The Toothpick Project Information

The Toothpick Co. uses biology to fight biology. We have developed one of the first bioherbicides to be commercialized in the world. The single target is Striga weed. Our technology's active agent is virulence-enhanced strains of endemic, host-specific fungi that kills Striga but doesn't harm other plants or animals. Named Kichawi Kill, it is a simple seed coating farmers apply to their seed about 30 minutes before planting. It can be delivered at very low cost, greatly reducing the amount of labor needed for weeding, and it dramatically increases (40-56%) the overall maize yield (bringing the Field's production back to where it should be so farmers can then focus on soil health, biodiversity, and human nutrition.