Growth Cycle
Naturally effective
Naturally effective
Growth Cycle
Our specialist plant breeders continuously improve our pyrethrum plant material. Our breeders screen hundreds of varieties each year and select only the hardiest, disease resistant, high assay yielding pyrethrum plants to introduce into commercial production.
In the field, we benefit from twenty-plus years trial research which helps us continuously refine the way we, and our grower partners, maximise productivity using the minimum of inputs.
Our harvest at the start of the Tanzania summer sees the crop cut and left to dry in the Tanzania sun before we extract the natural Pyrethrins from the dried pyrethrum flowers in an advanced closed system – our proprietary extraction and refining technology is designed not to alter the makeup of the natural Pyrethrins.
Adhering to our ‘naturally effective’ philosophy, 100% of the green waste by-product is used either as a nutrient-rich soil amendment or converted into energy dense bio-fuel to power our own operations and those of other environmentally aware Tanzania agri-businesses.
Where we grow
Tanzania ‘s fertile land, temperate climatic conditions and skilled farmers provide the ideal conditions for the pyrethrum daisy and countless other high value crops to thrive. With the support of our partner growers, we cultivate this special daisy on our own farms.
Tanzania is renowned internationally for its pristine environment and natural wonders, fresh produce, and fine food.
How we grow
Growing
Tanzania boasts a long and successful history in cultivating pyrethrum, a daisy-like flower renowned for its natural insecticidal properties. In fact, it’s the second-largest producer of pyrethrum globally, playing a crucial role in the global supply chain of this valuable natural insecticide.
The success of Tanzanian pyrethrum cultivation stems from several factors:
- Altitude: The plants thrive between 1700 to 3000 meters above sea level, where cooler temperatures and higher rainfall prevail.
- Climate: Mild temperatures with adequate rainfall, ranging from 1200 to 2200 mm annually, create optimal growing conditions.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soils with volcanic origin are particularly suitable.
Harvesting
Harvesting pyrethrum in Tanzania is a crucial step in the production of this natural insecticide derived from daisy-like flowers. It’s a meticulous process that requires careful timing and technique to ensure high-quality yields.
Extraction
The natural insecticide active ingredient, Pyrethrins, is extracted from the flower seeds (achenes) found in the dried flower heads using a proprietary process that does not alter the natural makeup of the Pyrethrins.