Can DNA testing protect crops from disease?

One of the exciting presentations held at the 2018 Farms.com Western Precision Agriculture Conference and Ag Technology Showcase on November 15, was by a DNA company, the topic was “bringing precision agriculture to farmers through genomics”. 

Quantum Genetix does DNA testing for livestock and plants.  The company has a rapid DNA test called Q-Protect which can be used to help farmers determine the risk and severity of developing Sclerotia, Fusarium, Aphanomyces, and Club Rot. 

The Q-Protect collection kits are used to collect plant samples from the field and send to the lab to show the level of spore activity.  These test results are used to determine fungicide timing and efficiency and used to avoid unnecessary spray application.  In some cases, the test results are available the next day, allowing the farmer to act quickly to protect their crops.

To make it even more user-friendly, Quantum Genetix will be launching its new Q-Protect mobile app by the spring of 2019.  The app will better assist in fungicide management decisions and allow producers to easily compare the cost of spraying to the disease risk. 

Quantum Genetix also provides livestock solutions for herd improvement, performance traits, optimal carcass growth, and food safety.

More than 350 people attended the 2018 Farms.com Western Precision Agriculture Conference and Ag Technology Showcase held in Saskatoon.  To learn more about the 2019 Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference and Ag Technology Showcase in London, Ontario, visit https://www.farms.com/precision-agriculture/eastern-conference-2019/.