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MGI Tech Collaborates with Lincoln University

MGI Tech Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to developing essential tools and technologies to drive innovation in biotechnology, has partnered with Lincoln University located in Canterbury, New Zealand. This collaboration aims to address sustainable challenges in the wine industry by utilizing advanced sequencing technologies. The initiative focuses on breeding better grape and hop varieties that are tolerant and resilient to pests and diseases, ultimately reducing the reliance on fungicides within the $2.1 billion New Zealand wine export industry.

The Challenges Faced by New Zealand’s Wine Industry

As one of New Zealand's significant economic contributors and the sixth-largest export sector in the country, the wine industry faces increasing pressure to improve sustainability and reduce its environmental impact. New Zealand vineyards are particularly vulnerable to fungal diseases, necessitating the frequent application of broad-spectrum pesticides to safeguard vine health and grape quality. Each year, New Zealand farmers use approximately 3,400 tons of pesticides. Alarmingly, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 60% of locally used fungicides and 72% of plant growth regulators are classified as potentially carcinogenic. This reality has drawn scrutiny from consumers and environmentalists, especially as climate change leads to more volatile weather patterns, enhancing disease risks.

To tackle these challenges, a team of New Zealand scientists initiated a genomic study aimed at reducing the wine sector's dependency on chemical treatments. By employing advanced sequencing technologies, researchers can now quickly screen thousands of vine samples to identify those with natural resistance to diseases and environmental stresses.

Assistance Professor Christopher Winefield from Lincoln University’s Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences Department, who first integrated genomics into his research to explore traits such as fungal tolerance and soil health, will significantly scale this project using MGI's high-throughput sequencing platform. This approach not only opens new avenues for breeding more resilient grape varieties but also enables real-time monitoring of vineyard conditions, laying the groundwork for more targeted, sustainable, and cost-effective vineyard management.

Genomics facilitates scientists in mapping the natural genetic diversity of thousands of vine stocks, enabling the identification of those with inherent disease resistance. Initial findings suggest that targeted interventions could reduce chemical application in certain vineyards by up to 80%. “We will never reach zero,” says Winefield, “but even skipping a single application by the end of the season has multiple benefits: lower costs, reduced residues in the wine, and less stress on soil health and the environment.”

MGI Sequencing: Large-Scale Genomics

Researchers at Lincoln University have installed the MGI DNBSEQ-G400 genomic sequencer, a next-generation platform that offers unparalleled scalability and speed in genomics at economical costs. Historically, testing a few hundred vine samples per year has been the norm. Now, the lab can process over 50,000 samples annually, a hundredfold increase in volume.

“The introduction of MGI sequencing tools has significantly democratized sequencing for smaller teams like mine,” reports Winefield. “The cost of this sequencing is incredibly competitive. We will now process up to 50,000 samples per year – without MGI’s support, we could not achieve this.” The MGI DNBSEQ-G400 platform also supports real-time sequencing to detect pathogens such as powdery mildew and aphids, enabling precise agricultural practices where interventions are implemented based on evidence rather than blanket treatments. “Instead of scheduled spraying, farmers can transition to evidence-based treatments. This signifies a shift from broad applications to pinpoint precision, thus reducing chemicals in the environment and improving resistance management,” adds Winefield.

Hierarchically, scientists can also identify vines that are more resilient to water stress or nutrient deficiency, an essential aspect given increasing climate variability. Dr. Bicheng Yang, director at MGI Australia, emphasizes that this project showcases how modern genomics can enhance sustainability. “This is a prime example of how cutting-edge technology supports agriculture. By enabling researchers to recognize the genetic factors of disease resistance, we are helping the industry minimize its dependency on chemicals and focus on the plants' natural resilience.”

By facilitating in-country testing, the logistical and financial hurdles associated with shipping samples overseas are eliminated, saving critical time during the growing season.

A Commercial Vision: Democratizing Genomic Testing

The project not only has academic implications but also commercial ambitions. Winefield and his colleagues are establishing a standalone company to provide affordable genomic testing across the country’s agricultural sector. The startup will service viticulture, horticulture, and dairy operations, giving producers access to real-time insights that previously could only be acquired from costly laboratories. “It’s about equipping farmers with world-class science,” states Winefield. “Our goal is to initially process one million samples annually and scale to ten million within five years.” With this data-driven model, even small producers can detect early signs of diseases, make proactive pest control decisions, and reduce unnecessary chemical usage.

Ecological and Economic Impacts

The implications of this study extend beyond New Zealand. As the global wine sector grapples with similar challenges, research in Canterbury could serve as a blueprint for sustainable production worldwide. Winefield notes that due to its unique microclimate and strong scientific infrastructure, New Zealand is an ideal testing ground. “New Zealand is unlikely to ever secure a significant share of global food production,” says Winefield, “but through modern science, we can take a pioneering role. Exporting our genomic insights, tools, and resilient plant stocks could transform productivity and environmental outcomes in global agriculture.”

Towards a National Infrastructure

Winefield envisions a future where genomic diagnostics in agriculture becomes as commonplace as soil testing or weather monitoring. “It's not just about grapevines. Whether it’s hops, kiwis, apples, or livestock – we can utilize this data to reduce disease pressure, improve yields, and make smarter resource allocation decisions.” The urgency increases due to climate change. Warmer and wetter conditions lead to earlier and more aggressive disease outbreaks, rendering traditional spray schedules less effective. The genomic model offers farmers the necessary precision and flexibility to adapt to environmental changes in real-time.

About MGI

MGI Tech Co. Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as MGI) is committed to developing core instruments and technologies that propel innovation in life sciences. Our focus is on research and development, manufacturing, and the distribution of instruments, reagents, and related products in the life sciences and biotechnology field. We provide real-time and multi-omics systems along with a wide range of digital devices and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other sectors. Established in 2016, MGI has emerged as a leader in the life sciences sector, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, production, training, and customer service facilities globally. MGI is one of the few companies capable of independently developing gene sequencers of clinical quality with varying throughput capacities from Gb to Tb, mass-producing them. With unmatched expertise, innovative products, and a commitment to global impacts, MGI will continue to shape the future of the life sciences.