Pathogen Detection Devices: Which features make them useful for cannabis cultivators

Here are the features our scientists prefer when comparing pathogen detection devices for healthier yields and robust crop protection

Cannabis cultivation demands constant vigilance for plant health and productivity. As the industry evolves, professionals managing large-scale facilities are starting to recognize the value of on-site testing platforms alongside traditional in-lab testing. This blog explores the essential features of making on-site testing useful for cannabis cultivators, focusing on the significance of the pathogen detection device.

Sensitivity:

An effective on-site pathogen detection device must excel in sensitivity and accuracy, capable of identifying low-level and early infections. This is pivotal in reducing infection rates, preventing reintroduction, and safeguarding the overall health of the cultivation facility.

High Level of Accuracy:

For cannabis pathogen testing, especially for threats like Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), the on-site pathogen detection device should be as accurate as PCR methods so growers can have confidence in negative results. Having confidence in your results makes the on-site pathogen detection device a reliable choice, especially when time constraints demand swift decisions in bringing in new genetics or clones.

Most importantly, the science should produce minimal false negatives and false positives. Some on-site pathogen detection devices may encounter issues such as non-specific amplification, potentially leading to false positives. Conversely, poor sensitivity or low resistance to inhibitors can result in false negatives. These challenges can leave cultivators uncertain about how to respond to test results, underscoring the need for an accurate and dependable on-site pathogen detection device.

Quick and Easy Operation:

For widespread adoption, an on-site pathogen detection device should be user-friendly, allowing any cultivation facility employee to conduct the test without requiring specialized expertise.

Maintaining a cannabis cultivation facility is time-consuming. While pathogen testing is important for high-yielding crops, the process of sample collection and testing needs to be quick enough that it does not interfere with facility efficiency. On-site tests that require hours of sample prep or multiple incubation steps use precious time that could be devoted to tending to your plants.

Complex sample preparation or the need for scientific equipment expertise hinders a pathogen testing device’s utility, emphasizing the importance of streamlined processes for efficient and effective on-site testing.

Flexibility to Human Error:

A robust on-site pathogen detection device must tolerate minor deviations from the testing protocol. If the on-site test is compromised by delayed reactions or an extra 5-minute incubation, its lab accuracy won't guarantee reliable field results - no matter how sensitive or accurate the test might be in a lab. Using internal controls helps algorithms to distinguish valid negative results from those affected by human error, ensuring reliable outcomes in the field.

Internal controls also help determine if human error has interfered with the result. Many tests lack an internal control, meaning that a negative result looks exactly the same as a failed test. Without an internal control, growers struggle to assess negative results reliably, affecting their decisions on pathogen management.

For an on-site test to be reliable, there needs to be some signal (aka from cannabis DNA/RNA) showing that the test components are functional and the sample collected has sufficient integrity to give a positive result if HLVd were present. Without an internal control, a negative result really means “unknown” and only the positive results can be trusted.

Unambiguous Results Interpretation:

Visual readouts, while convenient, should eliminate confusion. A reliable on-site pathogen detection device provides clear signals, preventing misinterpretation that could lead to potential mismanagement of pathogen threats.

For example, if a negative result is pink and a positive result is yellow, what does orange mean? Or if dark is negative and glowing is positive, if a reaction glows less brightly than the others, is that a positive result or background signal? The results interpretation should be clear and unambiguous.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Cost-effectiveness is critical for on-site testing platforms. While costs vary, the investment should align with the value provided. Integrating the pathogen detection device with traditional lab testing enhances the ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats, safeguarding crops, and ensuring long-term profitability.

In the dynamic world of cannabis cultivation, on-site testing platforms, specifically the pathogen detection device, are indispensable for proactive pathogen management. Prioritizing sensitivity, accuracy, simplicity, error tolerance, and cost-effectiveness allows professionals to make informed decisions, safeguard crops, and optimize facility efficiency. Embracing on-site testing alongside traditional lab testing is a strategic move, ensuring the health and prosperity of large-scale cannabis cultivation.

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About TUMI Genomics

TUMI Genomics is advancing cannabis cultivation by bringing biological insights to help commercial growers thrive. Through comprehensive preventative solutions, superior pathogen diagnostics, and AI-driven insights, TUMI Genomics is helping cultivators start clean and stay clean. The unrivaled diagnostics, transparent validation and industry-leading pathogen detection innovations provided by TUMI Genomics are raising the standards of commercial cannabis cultivation. The team at TUMI Genomics is composed of deeply experienced Ph.D. molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, business strategists, and accomplished serial entrepreneurs.

Media Contact: Hailey Spencer, Marketing Director

hailey@tumigenomics.com

Research Inquiries: Tassa Saldi, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CSO

tassa@tumigenomics.com