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MGI Tech and Lincoln University Collaborate to Transform New Zealand's Viticulture Using Genomics

In a groundbreaking initiative, MGI Tech Co., Ltd., a leader in life sciences innovation, has teamed up with Lincoln University in Canterbury, New Zealand, to address the sustainability challenges facing the country's viticulture sector. With a focus on advanced sequencing technology and genomics, this collaboration aims to breed grapevines and hops that exhibit natural resistance to pests and diseases, ultimately reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides within New Zealand's substantial wine export industry, valued at approximately $2.1 billion.

Understanding the Challenges in New Zealand's Viticulture

New Zealand's viticulture is a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, ranking it as the sixth-largest export earner. However, like many agriculture sectors worldwide, it is grappling with mounting pressures to enhance sustainability and minimize environmental footprints. The vineyards suffer from exposure to fungal diseases, leading to the frequent application of chemical sprays to maintain vine vitality and grape quality. Each year, New Zealand farmers resort to using around 3,400 tonnes of pesticides. Alarmingly, the US Environmental Protection Agency classifies roughly 60% of fungicides and 72% of plant growth regulators applied in the region as potential carcinogens, escalating environmental and consumer scrutiny as climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns that increase disease susceptibility.

Embracing Genomics as a Solution

To combat these challenges, a dedicated team of scientists from New Zealand is initiating a genomic study aimed at decreasing the wine industry’s dependence on chemical sprays. Utilizing cutting-edge sequencing technology, researchers can now efficiently examine thousands of grapevine samples to pinpoint those inherently resistant to disease and environmental stressors. Associate Professor Christopher Winefield, from Lincoln University's Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, has significantly scaled up his genomics research with MGI's high-throughput sequencing capabilities, exploring essential traits like fungal tolerance and soil health response.

The genomic approach not only facilitates the breeding of more resilient grape varieties, but it also allows real-time monitoring of vineyard conditions. This lays the groundwork for a more economical, targeted, and sustainable management strategy in vineyards. Early studies suggest that with focused interventions driven by genomic data, pesticide applications could potentially be minimized by up to 80% in certain vineyards.

The Role of MGI's Sequencing Technology

The integration of MGI's DNBSEQ-G400 genome sequencer, a state-of-the-art sequencing platform, heralds unprecedented scale and speed in genomic testing at significantly lower costs. Traditionally, it was standard to analyze a few hundred grapevine samples annually; however, with the new platform in place, researchers can now process over 50,000 samples each year—a remarkable hundredfold increase in capacity.

As Professor Winefield puts it, “The introduction of MGI sequencing tools has democratized sequencing for small teams like myself.” The platform not only allows extensive sample processing but also supports real-time sequencing for pathogen detection, empowering farmers with evidence-based treatment options instead of relying on scheduled pesticide spraying. This shift introduces precision agriculture methods, reducing chemical usage while enhancing resistance management.

Long-term Benefits and Commercial Collaboration

Beyond academia, this collaboration aims for substantial commercial impact. Winefield and his colleagues are working on establishing a venture that provides affordable genomic testing for the broader agricultural community, spanning viticulture, horticulture, and dairy farming. Their ambition is to process a million samples annually at launch, scaling up to 10 million in five years. This data-driven model enables even small-scale producers to identify early disease signs, facilitating proactive management and minimizing unnecessary chemical dependencies.

Wider Implications for Global Agriculture

The findings from this project could resonate beyond New Zealand's borders, offering a model for sustainable practices in viticulture worldwide, particularly as similar agricultural sectors face identical challenges. Winefield emphasizes New Zealand's capability to lead through better science: “We may never feed the world by volume, but we can significantly influence global agriculture with our scientific insights and resilient plant varieties.”

As the climate crisis intensifies, the urgency for innovative solutions grows. This collaboration between MGI Tech and Lincoln University stands as a beacon of hope, not only for the New Zealand viticulture sector but for global agriculture at large, demonstrating how genomics can transform farming practices toward sustainability and resilience.

About MGI Tech

Founded in 2016, MGI Tech Co., Ltd. specializes in crafting essential tools and technologies that propel innovation in life sciences. With a commitment to research development and an impressive global footprint, MGI serves customers across six continents, emerging as a key player in the synthesis of cutting-edge genomic technology. The company’s innovative strides pave the way for advancements in precision medicine, agriculture, and many other vital industries. For further details, visit MGI's official site or explore their presence on LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.