KazNU scientists have developed an innovative product to increase crop yields

As part of state support for science and its integration with production, scientists at al-Farabi Kazakh National University have implemented a project aimed at developing the domestic agro-industrial complex. As part of the grant funding from the Science Foundation, a team of researchers has developed an innovative biofunctional drug "NanoKukirt" designed for organic agriculture.

This domestic development, produced in the form of liquid and suspension, demonstrates high efficiency both as an environmentally friendly fertilizer and as a means of comprehensive plant protection against fungal diseases.

The content of sulfur, which is a vital element for plants, in the composition of the preparation is 25%, and calcium – 5%. According to the head of the project, Professor Mukhambetkali Burkitbaev, the absence of harmful chemical elements in the composition of the drug gives every reason to recognize it as 100% environmentally safe and an exceptionally useful product for organic farming. Experimental tests conducted at the KazNU Agrobiostation and in the fields of the Turkestan region have proved the high potential of development. The use of "NanoKukirt" on cereals, vegetables and legumes contributed to the development of the root system, accelerated tuberization, and significantly improved the process of nitrogen nutrition of plants in the soil. During the research, the microbiological state of the soil was also thoroughly studied and optimal concentrations of the drug were determined.

"As a result of tests on corn crops, by soaking seeds in a 2% "NanoKukirt" solution for 24 hours, it was possible to increase yields from 20.41 to 61.22 tons per hectare, that is, by 3 times. In addition, plant immunity to phytopathogenic fungi has significantly increased and the incidence rate has decreased," said Gulnar Ultanbekova, PhD, Researcher at KazNU.

To date, the domestic product has received an official certificate for use in organic agriculture, and its production has been established in accordance with the approved standard of the organization. Currently, the project employs 15 researchers, 6 of whom are directly involved in the production workshop.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University