This is the Future of Spore Sampling and Disease Forecasting

Jul 28, 2023

20/20 Seed Labs has been doing fantastic work in the molecular analysis of spore samples, providing farmers with timely information regarding potential diseases that could be present in the air sweeping across their fields.

Through spore sampling, disease pathogens like Sclerotinia and Fusarium can be detected early in the air. This process involves a stationary passive device that traps these spores as they are carried by air currents. Our molecular team analyzes the results within 24 hours of receiving the cartridge from the trap.

The decision of when to spray is extremely time sensitive, and spore traps can provide farmers with the crucial information they need to make well-informed agronomic decisions for their crops. Our aim is to deliver the results of our tests as quickly as possible, and we are constantly exploring methods to improve the sample shipment processes.

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Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.