#Canada #Aurora Cannabis #Edmonton #PM2 #Genetic Resistance

Aurora Cannabis Announces Breakthrough Discovery of Powdery Mildew Resistant Cultivars

Edmonton, Alberta — Aurora Cannabis Inc., a leading global player in the medical cannabis industry, has made a significant advancement in cannabis science by discovering a new source of genetic resistance against powdery mildew, identified as PM2. This breakthrough was achieved at Aurora's state-of-the-art research facility, Aurora Coast, and signifies a vital solution to a persistent problem faced by cannabis cultivators around the world.

The innovative proprietary genetic marker technology developed through this research is slated for integration into Aurora's breeding programs to produce cultivars resistant to this common yet harmful pathogen. The company’s goal is to commercialize these new cultivars within the year, providing growers with a sustainable way to manage mildew-related issues without relying on synthetic pesticides, thus promoting safer agricultural practices.

Lana Culley, Vice President of Innovation and International Operations at Aurora, emphasized the importance of this discovery. “At Aurora Coast, we are committed to continuous improvement in our cannabis cultivars. This milestone will not only aid in managing diseases but also enhance the overall biosecurity of our production facilities,” she stated. “Our dedication to scientific innovation is what differentiates us from our competitors in the industry.”

The peer-reviewed research led by Principal Scientist Jose Celedon, in collaboration with experts from The University of British Columbia, highlights the importance of breeding for genetic resistance as a sustainable approach to agricultural productivity. The findings indicate that such genetic advancements are crucial, especially in contexts where the use of synthetic pesticides may be restricted. This discovery not only advances Aurora's mission to maintain high-quality production but also significantly reduces production costs.

Aurora is renowned for its strong commitment to research and innovation, which has already led to advancements in potency and yield across its product lines. This latest achievement, the PM2 resistance, is positioned to revolutionize how cannabis is cultivated, paving the way for more efficient production methods and creating new market avenues worldwide.

In light of these advancements, Aurora Cannabis is also proactively filing for international patents to protect this discovery, safeguarding its innovative research and ensuring competitive edge in the burgeoning cannabis market.

For further information on this groundbreaking discovery, readers can refer to the scientific article published in Frontiers in Plant Science here.

Overview of Aurora Cannabis Inc.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. is dedicated to leading the global cannabis market, providing high-quality products for both medical and consumer applications across Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora’s extensive portfolio includes notable brands such as Drift, San Rafael '71, and MedReleaf, among others. By focusing on science-driven innovation, Aurora continues to set benchmarks in quality and efficiency in the cannabis landscape. The company's common shares are traded on both NASDAQ and TSX under the symbol