Aurora Cannabis conducts powdery mildew research

Executive Summary

• Aurora Cannabis Inc. reports significant progress in its powdery mildew resistance (PM2) research, advancing from initial genetic discovery to active production trials at its Aurora Ridge manufacturing facility.
• The company is validating the durability and effectiveness of PM2 resistance in elite breeding lines through controlled infection trials, ensuring disease resistance is integrated without compromising critical quality traits for medical and consumer markets.
• Aurora targets commercialization of PM2-resistant cultivars later this year, which is expected to protect plant health, reduce operational costs, and enhance product quality globally.

Key Details

• Research focuses on transferring a novel genetic resistance source (PM2) against powdery mildew into elite breeding lines.
• Controlled infection trials with high disease pressure are being conducted to validate the durability and effectiveness of the PM2 resistance trait.
• Trials are currently underway at the Aurora Ridge manufacturing facility.
• The objective is to integrate disease resistance into high-performing genetics while maintaining quality traits critical for patients and consumers globally.
• Research findings have been presented at multiple industry forums, including the Plant & Animal Genome Conference, the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science & Canadian Society of Agronomy 2025 Conference, the fourth annual Cannabis Scientific Symposium at the McGill Research Centre for Cannabis, and the PhotoX Conference.
• The proprietary genetic marker technology was developed at Aurora Coast, the company’s R&D facility, building on prior collaboration with the University of British Columbia and research funding from Genome British Columbia.
• Commercialization of PM2-resistant cultivars is planned for later this year, contingent on successful production trial outcomes.
• Expected commercial benefits include improved plant health protection, reduced operational costs, and enhanced product quality.
• Intellectual property for the technology is currently patent pending in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.

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," said Lana Culley, vice-president of innovation and international operations, at Aurora.
• "This progress marks a critical step toward commercialization of powdery mildew-resistant cultivars and demonstrates how science-driven innovation adds great value to our global portfolio of proprietary cannabis products."