Canadian government invests in diagnostic technology to improve corn yields

A&L Biologicals Inc. is receiving an investment of $1.19 million to help develop a diagnostic test that will help corn producers increase their productivity through improved plant and soil health, MP Susan Truppe (London North Centre), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced recently.

A&L Biologicals will use molecular technologies to detect and diagnose microorganisms that impact corn output. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers at the Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre in London will collaborate with industry on a number of activities, including research into new green microbe-enhanced manure fertilizers.

Quick facts

• A&L Biologicals Inc. specializes in offering producers molecular technologies for the rapid detection and diagnosis of microorganisms that impact farm production.
• Field trials will initially commence in Ontario, but will later be extended to other corn-growing regions in Quebec and Manitoba.
• Corn is one of Canada's principal field crops, reaching a record output of 13.1 million tonnes in 2012. This investment is made through Growing Forward 2's AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698-million initiative designed to accelerate the pace of innovation by supporting research and development activities in agri-innovations and facilitating the demonstration, commercialization and/or adoption of innovative products, technologies, processes, practices and services.