Harvast^TM is a unique formulation which contains an active ingredient known as Carbon Quantum Dots (CQD). It is not a fertilizer but it was invented as a simple and safe solution to enhance photosynthesis for plants. This is because photosynthesis is an inefficient process; only around 2-4% of sunlight is converted into new plant growth for plants. When photosynthesis is boosted, this has a positive impact on plants such as increases growth rate, encourages foliage growth, hastens flowering, hastens fruiting and increases yield (for plants under optimum growth conditions).

Recognizing the unique photoluminescent properties of CQD and its nanoscale size gave me a hunch that it could be used to assist  in photosynthesis. An extensive search in literature showed that this idea was still novel. Furthermore, our technology (patent pending) of producing CQD via a green, facile, and scalable process, has paved the way to make the invention a reality, not just a pipe dream.

Photosynthesis is known to be an inefficient process, converting only about 2-4% of light energy into plant growth. However, previous work for photosynthesis enhancement has focused on approaches such as genetically modified super-crops and various plant-growth regulators which are complicated and expensive. Harvast^TM provides a simple and safe solution to enhance photosynthesis for plants. There are no other products using this technology in the market.

Researcher

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suraya Abdul Rashid
Institute Of Advanced Technology (ITMA)
Email: suraya_ar@upm.edu.my

Date of Input: 15/10/2019 | Updated: 15/10/2019 | noorazwana