Aurora Achieves Significant Progress in Disease Resistance Research

Executive Summary

• Aurora Cannabis announced significant progress in moving its powdery‑mildew (PM) resistance gene PM2 from research into production trials at the Aurora Ridge manufacturing facility.
• Multiple breeding cycles have transferred PM2 into elite lines, and controlled infection trials demonstrate durable resistance without compromising key quality traits.
• Successful trials are expected to enable commercialization of PM‑resistant cultivars later in 2026, potentially lowering operational costs, improving product consistency, and strengthening the company’s competitive position.

Key Details

• Research Milestone: Nearly one year after discovering the novel PM2 resistance source, Aurora completed several rounds of crosses to introgress PM2 into high‑performing breeding populations.
• Production Trials: Controlled infection trials with high disease pressure are underway at Aurora Ridge, validating both durability and effectiveness of the resistance trait.
• Commercialization Timeline: If production trials meet performance targets, Aurora plans to launch powdery‑mildew‑resistant cultivars later in 2026.
• Operational Impact: Anticipated benefits include reduced fungicide usage, lower crop loss, decreased production costs, and enhanced product quality for medical and consumer markets.
• Scientific Outreach: Findings have been presented at multiple conferences, including the Plant & Animal Genome Conference, Canadian Society for Horticultural Science & Canadian Society of Agronomy 2025 Conference, the 4th Annual Cannabis Scientific Symposium (McGill), and PhotoX Conference.
• Intellectual Property: The PM2 genetic marker technology is patent‑pending in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.
• Collaboration History: Technology builds on prior collaborations with the University of British Columbia and funding from Genome British Columbia.

Notable Quotes

“By moving from research into production trials of cultivars with verified PM2 resistance at our Aurora Ridge manufacturing facility, we’re not only validating the science but also shaping the future of cannabis cultivation,” – Lana Culley, Vice President of Innovation and International Operations, Aurora Cannabis.