Development of high throughput PCR-based pathogen screening diagnostic test for Cannabis production systems

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The yield and quality of medical cannabis is of critical importance. A major concern is the detection of potential contaminating human and plant pathogens at early stages, before crop loss or damage ensues. While the procedure for testing of chemical contaminants is well established, microbiological contaminants are more difficult, unpredictable, and complex. DNA-based methods have become the preferred approach to detection of microbiological contaminants. This project is aimed at developing rapid and accurate protocols for pathogen screening in closed-environment cannabis production systems. These protocols will be based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), an established molecular genetic tool, using custom DNA PCR primer probes. It is envisioned that the outcome of this project will yield a suitable pathogen screening procedure that can be implemented for in-house monitoring at the MedReleaf production facility.