Aurora Cannabis and UBC identify genetic resistance to powdery mildew

Researchers have identified a new source of genetic resistance to powdery mildew in cannabis, a discovery aimed at mitigating significant yield losses for producers. A four-year project funded by Genome BC and Genome Canada, conducted through a partnership between the University of British Columbia and Aurora Cannabis, utilized genomic tools to address the disease.

Powdery mildew is particularly damaging in large-scale indoor cannabis operations, where even light infections can reduce yields by approximately 20%. Because Canadian regulations strictly limit the use of chemical pesticides, finding genetic solutions is critical for growers. The research team sequenced and reconstructed the complete genomes of 12 different cannabis plants to build a genetic foundation for disease resistance. This newly identified resistance is already being integrated into Aurora’s commercial cultivars.