The cannabis industry is gaining traction as states begin lowering restrictions. Brands are trying to leverage this situation and make their mark in the cannabis marketplace. They are looking beyond conventional cannabis types to create new variants and IPs to help them stand out in the market.
Harvest Genomics is on a mission to develop and deploy genomic technologies, helping cannabis brands introduce new product types and achieve market success. It uses plant DNA to gather critical genetic information, which enables it to develop and improve elite plant varieties.
“With conventional breeding methods, we can manipulate different traits by understanding their molecular mechanisms. Our team leverages the latest technologies to speed up the overall process of differentiating genes,” says Chris Grainger, co-founder and CEO of Harvest Genomics.
Harvest Genomics focuses on three pillars of the agriculture industry. Using breeding and genetic technologies, it enables the development of new plant and crop breeds. The training population is appropriately phenotyped and genotyped before genomic mating. Molecular markers allow clients to distinguish important plant characteristics, including drought tolerance, pathogen resistance, and early growth.
Genetic testing validates the quality and ensures adherence to national and international regulations. For brands that have ascertained their elite varieties after intense genomic selection, Harvest Genomics helps them protect their crop IP with DNA fingerprinting technology.
It offers biomonitoring technology for pest and pathogen management.
Many weed species have acquired resistance to herbicides due to repeated use, threatening the sustainability of crop systems worldwide. Weeds compete with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients. They also host insects and pathogens that attack crops.
Our team leverages the latest technologies to speed up the overall process of differentiating genes
Harvest Genomics solves this problem using target site mutation. It collects the weed sample and performs DNA extraction. The DNA sites determine herbicide resistance. In the next step, it performs gold-standard PCR to select and amplify the targeted region. If the mutation analysis results indicate the presence of mutations, herbicide resistance is possible. Harvest Genomics then uses the target site mutation to alter the herbicide's molecular target, decreasing its affinity for it and eliminating resistance.
Harvest Genomics solves this problem using target site mutation. It collects the weed sample and performs DNA extraction. The DNA sites determine herbicide resistance. In the next step, it performs gold-standard PCR to select and amplify the targeted region. If the mutation analysis results indicate the presence of mutations, herbicide resistance is possible. Harvest Genomics then uses the target site mutation to alter the herbicide's molecular target, decreasing its affinity for it and eliminating resistance.
Harvest Genomics carries out sex testing using genetic markers to distinguish the female from male plants. This is extremely helpful in the early stages to prevent a few male plants from spreading to a large production zone, which could contaminate the entire crop.
It is challenging to test for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) due to legal issues concerning breeding programs and regulations. Harvest Genomics tests every cannabis gene with the most cuttingedge sequencing methods. An example of its advantages is in the case of a client experiencing difficulty maintaining the quality of various strains. Harvest Genomics' use of genetic markers in its services aided it in separating female and male components in a mixture of strains. Harvest Genomics also used the DNA fingerprint of their material's breeding to ensure quality within the production.
This success story is one of the many Harvest Genomics creates with its expertise in the agricultural industry. Since biomonitoring programs for outdoor cultivation are becoming crucial for pest control, it aims to provide comprehensive biomonitoring solutions using metagenomics to ensure optimal customer satisfaction.
Harvest Genomics’ impact in the genomics space will push the boundaries of plant breeding technology and set up the stage for food security.
