22 IT HAS BEEN two years since Harvest Genomics took top prize at a University of Guelph pitch competition, and the company continues to expand its DNA sequencing services to the agricultural community, with laboratories in Guelph and Quebec City and opportunities internationally. In 2020, Harvest Genomics was chosen by a jury of high-profile judges as the $10,000 grand prize winner of the Gryphon’s LAAIR Pitch Competition. The Dragon’s Den-style program helps to accelerate the adoption of innovative research. “We have always been interested in bringing fancy tools from sequencing technology to agriculture at an affordable price, and the pitch competition helped to put us on the map and reach more customers,” says Rémi Maglione, vice president and co-founder of Harvest Genomics. Harvest Genomics uses high-end technology to diagnose common challenges on the farm. The company offers three main services to agricultural producers that use genetic testing and analysis, including rapid testing for herbicide resistance and invasive pest identification. SERVICES FOR GRAIN FARMERS For field crops, Maglione says weed testing is among the most popular services because it helps producers decide what group of herbicides they’ll need for the upcoming season. Harvest Genomics BRINGING HIGH-END TECH TO THE GROUND LEVEL Lisa McLean RÉMI MAGLIONE, VICE PRESIDENT AND COFOUNDER OF HARVEST GENOMICS. PHOTO COURTESY OF HARVEST GENOMICS. Weed resistance normally occurs from repeated use of the same herbicide(s) and mode of application. Producers can collect a small sample of a weed from a field and submit it to Harvest Genomics for testing. The company extracts DNA from the sample and performs a PCR-like test to detect the presence — or absence — of a mutation. “It’s a simple test that allows us to report back to a producer if the weed is resistant to a specific category of herbicide,” Maglione says. Harvest Genomics also offers traditional and advanced biosurveillance tools to help producers and breeders better understand what they’re working with. Genetic mapping technologies identify markers for specific traits such as drought tolerance or pathogen resistance. The company has supported plant breeding by providing genetic mapping for specific varieties, and with this tool, it has the capacity to significantly cut the costs of breeding programs. “Genetic mapping is valuable to seed companies because it allows us to assess genes and functions during the breeding process at a tenth of the cost of regular sequencing,” says Maglione. He says the company offers low-density and high-density genetic mapping, depending on need. Producers can also access genetic tests for their crop material to determine its quality and consistency. He says some producers opt for peace of mind by testing the purity of their seed. Harvest Genomics can run a simple test for approximately $30. GREENHOUSE APPLICATIONS In addition to applications for field crops, Harvest Genomics has developed an important service in helping to detect dangerous plant Industry News
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