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(Alliance News) - Braveheart Investment Group PLC on Thursday said basil herb product customer trials by its investee Pharm2Farm Ltd and Korean firm Griin Agriculture Co Korea were positive.
Griin, which sells basil leaves to local shops and restaurants, grew the plants using its vertical hydroponic system. This growth method places plants in a nutrient-rich, water based solution and uses no soil.
Over the 20 day harvesting period, the trial found that basil plants with Pharm2Farm's nanoparticles added to their nutrient feeds produced 33% more leaves and a more intense taste than untreated plants.
Braveheart, which has a 33% stake in Pharm2Farm, said: "Pharm2Farm's coated nanoparticle technology, has been demonstrated to dramatically increase the bioavailability of trace minerals in plant feeds applicable to all areas of the farming market."
Trace minerals, like iron, copper and silicon, can be crucial to plant growth but Braveheart said this has been historically difficult to add to fertilisers in a form that can be readily consumed by plants.
Shares in Braveheart were 11% higher at 11.92 pence each in London on Thursday afternoon.