#Genomics #MGI Tech #New Zealand #Canterbury #Lincoln University

MGI Tech Collaborates with Lincoln University to Transform New Zealand's Viticulture

In an effort to tackle critical sustainability challenges facing New Zealand's wine industry, MGI Tech Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to innovation in life sciences, has joined forces with Lincoln University of Canterbury. This collaboration aims to enhance the country's viticulture through cutting-edge genomics and advanced sequencing technologies.

Tackling Pressures in Viticulture

Viticulture is one of New Zealand's vital economic pillars, recognized as the sixth-largest source of export revenue in the nation. However, like many primary sectors, it faces growing pressures to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impacts. New Zealand vineyards are particularly susceptible to various fungal diseases, necessitating frequent pesticide applications. Each year, New Zealand farmers use approximately 3,400 tons of pesticides, raising concerns due to the carcinogenic potential of about 60% of fungicides and 72% of plant growth regulators, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This scrutiny comes amid increasing climate volatility, which exacerbates disease risks in vineyards.

Genomic Solutions to Industry Challenges

To address these sustainability issues, a team of New Zealand scientists has embarked on a genomic study aimed at decreasing the reliance on chemical treatments in viticulture. By employing advanced sequencing technologies, researchers can rapidly analyze thousands of grapevine samples to identify those with natural disease resistance and resilience to environmental stressors.

Professor Christopher Winefield, an Associate Professor at Lincoln University's Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, has pioneered the use of genomics to explore grapevine traits like fungal tolerance and soil health response. His team is now significantly expanding this research via MGI’s high-throughput sequencing platform.

This innovative approach not only facilitates the development of more resilient grape varieties but also enables real-time monitoring of vineyard conditions, laying the groundwork for more precise, sustainable, and cost-effective vineyard management practices. Genomic practices allow scientists to map the genetic diversity of thousands of grapevines, pinpointing those with intrinsic disease resistance. Early findings suggest that specific interventions based on this data could reduce chemical spray needs by up to 80% in certain vineyards. "While we may never reach zero applications, removing just one spray at the end of the season yields multiple benefits — lower costs, reduced waste in wine, and less pressure on soil health and the environment," Winefield stated.

MGI's High-Throughput Sequencing

Lincoln University researchers have installed the MGI DNBSEQ-G400 genomic sequencer, a top-tier sequencing platform providing unprecedented speed and scale in genomics at an economical cost. Traditionally, analyzing a few hundred grapevine samples annually was standard; now, the lab can process over 50,000 samples a year, increasing capacity a hundredfold. "The introduction of MGI's sequencing tools has democratized access to sequencing for smaller teams like mine," Winefield noted. "The cost of sequencing is very competitive, and aspiring to process up to 50,000 samples annually would have been impossible without MGI's support."

The MGI DNBSEQ-G400 allows for real-time sequencing to detect pathogens like powdery mildew and mealybugs, enabling precision farming approaches where interventions are evidence-based rather than broadly applied. "Instead of planned spraying, farmers can opt for targeted treatments based on factual evidence, transitioning from blanket coverage to precision agriculture," said Winefield. Genomic data also assists scientists in identifying grapevines more resilient to water stress or nutrient limitations, which is increasingly relevant as climate volatility rises.

Dr. Bicheng Yang, director of MGI Australia, emphasizes that this project exemplifies how modern genomics can enhance sustainability. "This project powerfully illustrates how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of agriculture. By helping researchers uncover the genetic factors behind disease resistance, we enable the industry to move away from chemical dependency towards plants' natural resilience."

Expanding Commercial Opportunities

Beyond academic collaboration, Winefield and his team are launching a standalone company aimed at delivering affordable genomic testing services to New Zealand's agricultural sector. This startup will cater to wine growers, horticulturists, and dairy farmers, providing producers access to real-time insights that were once limited to high-cost laboratories. "Our goal is to put top-tier science within farmers' reach," said Winefield. "We aim to process a million samples in our first year, eventually reaching ten million in five years."

This data-driven model would enable even small producers to detect early signs of disease, proactively manage crops, and reduce unnecessary chemical use. The environmental and economic implications of this study extend beyond New Zealand, as international viticulture grapples with similar challenges. Winefield believes that Canterbury's research could serve as a blueprint for sustainable production on a global scale. "New Zealand may never feed the world by volume, but we can lead through better science. Exporting our genomic knowledge, tools, and resilient plants could transform global agricultural productivity and environmental outcomes," he asserted.

A Vision for the Future

Winefield envisions a future where genomic diagnostics become as routine in agriculture as soil analyses or weather monitoring. "It’s not just about grapevines; we can apply this data to hops, kiwifruit, apples, or livestock, reducing disease incidences while improving yields and making smarter input decisions." Climate change increases this urgency, with warmer, wetter conditions leading to earlier and more aggressive disease outbreaks. The genomic model offers farmers precision and agility to adapt swiftly to environmental changes.

About MGI

MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (and its subsidiaries collectively referred to as 'MGI') is committed to developing key tools and technologies that drive life sciences innovation. Focusing on research, development, manufacturing, and selling instruments, reagents, and related products in life sciences and biotechnology, MGI provides real-time multi-omics technology and a comprehensive range of digital systems for precision medicine, agriculture, health, and other industries. Founded in 2016, MGI has emerged as a leader in life sciences, serving clients across six continents while establishing global research, manufacturing, training, and service centers. MGI is distinguished as one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade genetic sequencers with varying performance capabilities from gigabase to terabase levels. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to set the benchmark for the future of life sciences.