Characterization of the microbial diversity found under cannabis production conditions

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LuminUltra, a privately owned company established in Fredericton, NB, develops and brings to market**microbial detection and characterization technologies. In an effort to further diversify their line of products,**LuminUltra has requested my help to develp novel DNA-based kits and technologies aiming at detecting and**quantifying microorganisms of interest to the Cannabis industry. The cannabis industry is presently booming in**Canada and licensed producers are seeking external expertise to detect and quantify microorganisms of interest**(microbial plant pathogens, human pathogens, beneficial plant-beneficial microorganisms, etc.) present under**commercial cannabis production conditions. In this project, I therefore propose, in collaboration with my**partner LuminUltra, to: 1) characterize the cannabis rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbiomes; and 2)**identify, based on the results obtained in objective 1, target microorganisms for the development of specific**monitoring quantitative bioassays for use under commercial cannabis production conditions. This project will**help better understand the microbiome of the cannabis plant, as well as identify microbial targets for the**development of novel quantitative monitoring technologies. Tracking some of these key microorganisms under**commercial cannabis production conditions will have a positive impact on improving plant productivity,**ensuring appropriate plant disease control measures, as well as preventing human pathogen disease outbreaks**and ensuring optimal quality control of cannabis products.