University of the Western Cape
Overview of innovation

The Natural Biostimulant developed at the University of the Western Cape is a proudly South African, cost-effective, safe, natural and organic botanical fertiliser with promising commercial applications in the agriculture sector. Derived from an indigenous plant extract, the product contains a combination of several flavonoids that display antimicrobial properties as well as can increase the polyphenolic and sugar content of plants, thereby improving overall plant health and yield.

Based on research done at the University of the Western Cape, spraying the product on crops increased the total soluble solids (TSS) content in fruits and vegetables, thereby increasing the sugar content of the plant and the quality of the harvest. As such, it has been registered as a Group 3 Fertiliser under Act 36 of 1947, and its biostimulant activity is patented in a number of territories.

This natural biostimulant is also able to increase the polyphenolic content of plants, increasing the health benefits of the plant, as well as the plant’s natural defence system against pathogens. When used in combination with fungicidal/bactericidal compounds (pesticides), the product has been shown to reverse the resistance of crop pathogens to pesticides. Using less commercial pesticides results in less environmental contamination.

The commercial value of our patented and registered biostimulant is thus driven by its special characteristics as a natural chemical-free bio-fertiliser for the agrochemical market.

Contact us if interested in testing the product in a crop trial.

Type of Intellectual Property protection
Patent
Innovation Opportunity Type
Collaboration
Distribution
Licensing
Sales
Industry
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Plant and Health Nutrition
Natural Resources
Agribusiness and Agbio
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 9 – Being utilized by the end user
Co-creators
Agricultural Research Council