MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (“MGI”), a company that is committed to the development of important tools and technologies for innovations in the biosciences, a cooperation with the University of Lincoln in Canterbury has been received in order to tackle sustainable challenges in viticulture with the help of advanced sequencing technology. The initiative aims to use the genomics to breed better grape varieties and hop types that are tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases in order to reduce the use of fungicides in the New Zealand wine export industries worth $ 2.1 billion.
Championships for viticulture in New Zealand: diseases, chemicals and sustainability pressure
Viticulture is an important economic source of income in New Zealand and the sixth largest export factor in the country. (1)
Like many other primary sectors, however, he is under increasing pressure to improve sustainability and reduce the environmental impact. The country’s vineyards are particularly susceptible to fungal diseases, so that wide -effective spraying agents often have to be used in order to maintain the health of the vines and the quality of the grapes.
Every year the New Zealand farmers use around 3,400 tons of pesticides. It is alarming that according to the classification of the US environmental protection authority, 60 % of the local fungicides and 72 % of plant growth regulators are considered potentially carcinogenic. This has brought the industry into the focus of consumers and environmentalists, since in particular the climate change leads to more volatile weather conditions that increase the risk of illness (2)
New paths with genomics
In order to meet these challenges, a team of New Zealand scientists started a genome study to reduce the dependence of the wine sector on chemical spray agents. Through the use of advanced sequencing technologies, the researchers can now quickly scan thousands of vine samples in order to identify those with natural resistance to diseases and environmental stress.
Associate Professor Christopher Winefield from the Wine, Food and Molecular Bioscience Department of the University of Lincoln, which introduced genomics into his research for the first time in order to explore properties such as mushroom tolerance and soil health, the project will now significantly scale with the high-through-composition sequencing platform from MGI.
This approach not only opens up new possibilities for breeding more resistant grape varieties, but also enables real -time monitoring of the conditions in the vineyard and thus lays the foundation for more targeted, more sustainable and cost -effective management of the vineyards.
Genomics allows scientists to map the natural genetic diversity of thousands of vines and to identify those with natural disease resistance. According to the first results, the use of chemical sprays can be reduced by up to 80 % in some vineyards.
“We will never come to zero,” said Winefield, “but even the absence of a single injection at the end of the season has several advantages: lower costs, fewer residues in wine and a lower burden on soil health and the environment.”
The MGI sequencing: genomic on a large scale
Researchers at the University of Lincoln have installed the MGI DNBSEQ-G400 Genom sequencer-a next generation sequencing platform that enables unprecedented scaling and speed in genomics at economic costs. So far, the examination of a few hundred vines per year has been the standard. Now the laboratory can process more than 50,000 a year – an increase in volume by a hundred times.
“The introduction of the MGI sequencing tools has made a significant contribution to democratizing sequencing for small teams such as me,” reports Winefield. “The costs of this sequencing are extremely competitive. We will now process up to 50,000 rehearsals a year – without support from MGI, we couldn’t do that.”
The MGI DNBSEQ-G400 platform also supports real-time sequencing to demonstrate pathogens such as mildew and lumpy. In this way, precise agricultural approaches are made possible in which the measures are not used across the board, but specifically.
“Instead of planned sprays, farmers can switch to evidence -based treatments. This means a shift from a comprehensive treatment to precise precision and thus less chemicals in the environment and better resistance management,” adds Winefield.
In addition, scientists can identify vines based on the genomic data that are more resistant to water stress or lack of nutrients – an important aspect in view of the increasing climate fluctuations.
Like Dr. Bicheng Yang, Director at MGI Australia, emphasizes, shows the project that modern genomics can promote sustainability.
“This is a good example of how state -of -the -art technology supports agriculture. By enabling the researchers to recognize the genetic factors of disease resistance, we help to reduce the dependency of chemicals and to reflect on the natural resistance of the plants.”
The possibility of carrying out these tests in Germany also eliminates the logistical and financial hurdles that are connected to overseas with the shipping of samples. As a result, valuable time can be saved during the vegetation period.
A commercial vision: democratization of genomic tests
The project not only has academic, but also commercial ambitions. Winefield and his colleagues found an independent company to provide affordable genome tests for the country’s entire agricultural sector. The startup will supply viticulture, horticulture and dairy farms and give the producers access to real-time knowledge that could only be obtained in costly laboratories.
“It is about giving farmers science from world rank,” says Winefield. “Our goal is to first process a million rehearsals a year and to grow to 10 million within five years.”
With this data -based model, even smaller producers could recognize early signs of diseases, make proactive decisions on crop protection and save unnecessary chemical means.
Ecological and economic effects
The effects of the study extend far beyond New Zealand. Since global viticulture is confronted with similar challenges, research in Canterbury could become a blueprint for sustainable production around the world. According to Winefield, New Zealand is an ideal test area due to its unique microclimate and solid scientific infrastructure.
“Presumably, New Zealand will never have a significant share in the world -produced food,” said Winefield, “but through modern science we can take a pioneering role. The export of our genomic knowledge, tools and resistant plant stocks could change the productivity and environmental results of global agriculture.”
On the way to a national infrastructure
Winefield expects a future in which genomic diagnostics in agriculture are as natural as soil examinations or weather observations.
“It is not just a matter of vines. Regardless of whether it is hops, kiwis, apples or cattle – we can use this data to reduce the pressure of illness, to improve the income and make more intelligent decisions about the use of resources.”
Climate change increases urgency. Since warmer and humid conditions lead to a earlier and more aggressive outbreak of the disease, conventional spray plans prove less effective. The genomic model offers farmers the necessary precision and flexibility in order to adapt to environmental changes in real time.
Information about MGI:
MGI Tech Co. Ltd. (or his subsidiaries, together as MGI), has committed itself to the development of core instruments and technologies that promote innovations in organic acids. Our focus is on research and development, manufacture and distribution of instruments, reagents and related products in the field of biosciences and biotechnology. We offer real-time and multi-OMICS systems as well as a wide range of digital devices and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare and various other industries.
MGI was founded in 2016 and has developed into a leading company in the organic science that serves customers on six continents and establishes research, production, training and customer service facilities worldwide. MGI is one of the few companies that are able to develop and produce gene sequencers in clinical quality with different throughput capacities from GBIT to TB. With incomparable specialist knowledge, innovative products and commitment to global effects, MGI will continue to shape the path of biosciences in the future.
For more information, visit https://en.mgi-tech.com/, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
(1) New Zealand wine continues to defy market trends, growing for 16th consecutive year in the US. (n.d.). New Zealand Wine. https://www.nzwine.com/en/media/media-releases/us-market-trends/ (2) Primary Industry Trade at Risk Unless Assurance is Straightened – Our Land & Water – Toitū te Whenua, Toiora te Wai. (n.d.). Our Land & Water – Toitū Te Whenua, Toiora Te Wai. https://ourlandandwater.nz/news/primary-industry-trade-at-risk-unless-assurance-is-tightened/
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