Consistent Eggplant Yield, Better Returns Without More Work
Executive Summary
Braintree Technologies, a Malaysian agritech company operating farms in Selangor at Sungai Tangkas, Bangi and Olak Lempit, Dengkil, applied QarboGrow™ as part of an integrated crop management approach, together with JADAM-based natural farming practices, to address recurring challenges in the farming of the Leckat 313, “Little Nyonya” eggplant variant, which includes, improving yield consistency, fruit quality, and farm economics.
Results-demonstrated:
- Total yield increased by 10.6% (3,859.9 kg vs 3,489.3 kg per plot).
- Grade A yield increased by 8.7% (2,467.6 kg vs 2,269.8 kg), with higher Grade A revenue (+11.3%).
Introduction
Braintree Technologies is a Malaysian agritech company founded to empower farmers through intelligent technology and automation, bridging physical farm operations with digital intelligence via robotics, AI, data analytics, and practical farm-ready systems. The company operates farms where solutions are applied and tested under real conditions.
This case study evaluates the effectiveness of QarboGrow™ on eggplant at Braintree Technology’s Farm in Kajang, Selangor. The farm, supervised by Manager, Mr Syazwan Sofian (Farm Manager).
“With QarboGrow, we saw straighter heavier eggplants, shinier skin, and more uniform size. The improvement in crop quality is clear, healthier plants, better produce, real results which is the premium buyers look for.” Mr Syazwan
Problem Statement
Several constraints limited consistent premium eggplant performance. These included:
- Inconsistent yield performance between planting cycles.
- A relatively high proportion of lower-grade produce, limiting premium-grade revenue mix.
- Rising input costs, particularly for crop protection.
- Limited improvement in profitability despite standard farm practices.
QarboGrow™ Application
Braintree Technologies shares a similar mission with Qarbotech, that both companies are committed to solving agricultural challenges through innovative, science-driven strategies. We frequently crossed paths at industry booths, agricultural exhibitions, and sustainable agriculture competitions, where both organisations showcased our respective technologies.
Braintree focuses primarily on robotics and crop cultivation systems, while Qarbotech specialises in enhancing crop performance through improved photosynthetic efficiency. Although our technological approaches differ, our objectives are aligned: to increase farm productivity, sustainability, and profitability.
Recognising this alignment, Arif Makhdzir, the CEO of Braintree decided to explore the use of a locally developed solution to strengthen farm performance. The decision was driven by the goal of increasing yield quality and improving overall farm income.
Braintree became one of the earliest adopters to place trust in QarboGrow™, recognising its potential to benefit agricultural productivity not only in Malaysia but globally. The collaboration officially began in July 2024, and since then, the partnership has continued to strengthen through ongoing field implementation and performance monitoring.
Braintree implemented an integrated crop management approach combining QarboGrow™ with JADAM-based natural farming practices. JADAM is a South Korean natural farming method emphasising locally sourced, low-cost microbial and botanical inputs to strengthen soil biology and plant health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.
QarboGrow™ was applied to enhance photosynthetic efficiency by supporting chlorophyll development—driving greener leaves, stronger vegetative growth, thicker leaves, and improved cell wall development (reducing susceptibility to insect feeding and fungal penetration). LI-6800 Portable Photosynthesis System by LI-COR is photosynthesis measurements were used to quantitatively assess physiological change under field conditions.
QarboGrow™ was applied via foliar spraying at a dilution ratio of 1:100 (e.g., 20 mL per 20 L of water). The prepared solution was evenly sprayed onto the leaf surface to ensure uniform coverage and optimal absorption. Applications were conducted at 30-day intervals throughout the vegetative and early fruiting stages of the crop cycle. A control plot was maintained under standard Braintree practices without QarboGrow™ for direct comparison.
In parallel, JADAM inputs supported pest and disease management through natural formulations, reducing the frequency of synthetic pesticide use while maintaining crop protection. Practically, this shifted the farm’s focus from reactive control to proactive resilience-building—without disrupting existing routines.
Results
Plant Physiology
Mosaic virus primarily targets young leaves, disrupting chlorophyll biosynthesis and impairing photosynthetic efficiency. This leads to reduced carbon assimilation, manifested in crops such as chilli and eggplant through stunted growth, chlorosis, and overall decline in plant vigour and productivity.
Following the application of QarboGrow™, treated plants demonstrated improved physiological resilience despite the presence of viral infection. While the virus was not eliminated, the enhancement of photosynthetic function enabled plants to sustain chlorophyll activity, maintain carbon fixation, and support continued growth. This translated into preserved metabolic function during critical growth stages.
In eggplant, although mosaic symptoms remained visibly evident, treated plants continued to initiate flowering and successfully set fruits. The ability to maintain reproductive development under viral stress resulted in consistent production of harvestable yield, allowing farmers to sustain marketable output despite infection pressure.
Yield
At the plot level, total eggplant yield increased to 3,859.9 kg in the treated plot (0.8 acres for control and 0.8 acres for treated plot) versus 3,489.3 kg in the control—an improvement of 10.6% without extending the growing period, for High Density Planting (HDP) farming such as Braintree’s.
Quality and Post-Harvest Performance
Fruit quality improved alongside yield. Grade A output increased from 2,269.8 kg (control) to 2,467.6 kg (treated), an 8.7% increase. Grade B output increased from 87.1 kg to 118.9 kg, reflecting overall stronger productivity and fruit formation.
| Grade A Egg plant characteristics: Grade A eggplants are characterised by straight shape, uniform size, glossy appearance, firmness, and minimal external defects |
Input Efficiency
Operationally, QarboGrow™ was integrated without increasing labour or changing growing patterns.
Side Bar: LI-COR is a scientific instrument used to measure plant photosynthesis and overall physiological performance in real time under field conditions. It helps quantify how efficiently a plant converts light and carbon dioxide into energy, allowing researchers to scientifically assess whether a treatment improves photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate.In this project, QarboGrow™ was applied as a foliar spray. The product was diluted in water and sprayed evenly onto the leaf surface using a knapsack or motorised sprayer. Applications were carried out during the early morning or late afternoon to maximise absorption and minimise heat stress. The treatment was integrated into the farm’s regular crop management schedule and applied at key growth stages to support plant vigour, improve leaf strength, and enhance overall crop performance. QarboGrow™ is a plant performance enhancer designed to improve photosynthetic efficiency and overall crop vitality. Rather than acting as a pesticide or fertiliser replacement, it works by strengthening plant physiological processes — enhancing chlorophyll development, supporting stronger leaf structure, and improving the plant’s ability to convert light energy into biomass. This leads to improved crop quality, resilience, and yield consistency |
Proof of Possibilities
This case study demonstrates that improving plant efficiency can deliver measurable gains in eggplant yield and revenue without adding operational complexity. The results show that moderate increases in yield and premium-grade output translate into clear economic benefit when achieved within the same growing duration and labour input.
The trial also highlights an opportunity for deeper value capture: by pairing yield and quality gains with clearer input-efficiency tracking (crop protection frequency, chemical costs, and labour impact), future cycles can more comprehensively quantify profitability uplift—and move closer to the long-term ROI target range.
About Qarbotech
Qarbotech is an award-winning agritech company headquartered in Puchong, Malaysia, dedicated to advancing sustainable farming solutions. Its flagship product, QarboGrow™, supports more efficient and resilient food production guided by the vision “Harnessing Light, Enriching Lives.”
About QarboGrow™
QarboGrow™, a biostimulant, is developed using nanocarbon material derived from agricultural waste. It enhances photosynthesis so plants utilise sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide more efficiently, supporting higher yields, reduced fertiliser dependency, and stronger crop resilience under challenging conditions.
Call to Action
Ready to improve eggplant performance through plant efficiency and resilient field practices? Explore how QarboGrow™ can be integrated into your cultivation approach for greater consistency, profitability, and sustainability.
