Toothpick Project
The Toothpick Project
Solution Overview & Benefits
The Toothpick Project’s Foxy T14 is a locally-produced biological control method for Striga hermonthica, a parasitic weed that severely reduces yields of staple crops like maize, sorghum, millet, and others. The bioherbicide uses specially selected strains of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae—a fungus that targets Striga without harming crops or the environment.
Fungal strains are grown on sterile wooden toothpicks, which are then distributed to local farmers. These toothpicks are used to inoculate cooked, cooled rice in sterile containers, allowing farmers to produce fresh fungal inoculum on-site. This approach keeps production costs low and makes the solution practical and scalable in rural areas.
Key benefits include:
- Up to 56.5% average increase in maize yields (with some farmers doubling their harvests)
- Specific to Striga, leaving crops and other plants unharmed
- Locally manufactured by Village Inoculum Producers (VIPs), supporting local economies
- No toxins or harmful residues – tested and verified for safety
- Can be produced and distributed in cost-effective, low-tech settings
History & Development
Foxy T14 was developed through years of research led by Dr. David Sands at Montana State University and Kenyan researchers, with extensive field trials in Western Kenya. Early versions used wild Fusarium strains, but to enhance effectiveness, the team selected and bred three strains—Leu2a, Z6a, and Z5a—that overproduce amino acids leucine, methionine, and tyrosine. These boost Striga germination and infection rates.
Funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, large-scale field trials on over 500 farms showed consistent yield improvements. The product was designed for local distribution and ease of use, with community-based producers trained to make and share the inoculum.
Availability
- Available: Kenya, and research centers in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria.
- Reaching farmers through partnerships with established NGOs, distributors, CBOs (community-based organizations), government extension programs, and informal farmer groups.
- Price range: Contact for orders and partnerships
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