NASA Ames Research Center entered into a SPACE ACT/Technology Transfer Agreement with Optical Sales Corporation (3/94) to commercialize advanced optical filter technology based on research from NASA scientist Dr. Leonard Haslim. The filters (passive chlorophyll detectors) discriminate the reflective spectra of chlorophyll bearing vegetation by exaggerating the visual effects of incipient chlorosis. Because of human retina sensitivity. early signs of damage to vegetation caused by insufficient (or excessive) water, minerals, frost, fertilizers. chemicals, insect infestations, pollution and diseases often go undetected. Using spectral shift principles the filters allow people to see what they otherwise can not see. The results are low cost filtersiglasses for the early and real time identification of plant stress.Applications:This loo cost technology could improve food production and production efficiently for the U.S. and world. Research indicates early detection of stress could. for examples reduce pesticide (33%) and fertilizer (3'¢C) applications. Farmers could monitor crops better and make decisions based on information which has only been available from very expensive and sophisticated remote sensing instruments. According to Dr. Blazquez (tJ. of Florida), this advanced optical technology which will allow plant inspectors and growers to differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue, "will be a technological breakthrough as well as a profitable venture."
