VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA, March 15, 2023 – In a ground-breaking study, 3 Rivers Biotech Ltd (“3R” or “3 Rivers”) discovered Hops Latent Viroid (HLVd) in water and surfaces commonly found in cannabis cultivation facilities. The study collected and analyzed samples from various locations within a cannabis cultivation facility, including areas of potentially high transmission, such as transplant tables and recirculated water.
The results showed that four out of four surface samples, and ten out of twenty-three water samples, tested positive for the presence of the viroid. Positive samples included those taken from transplant tables, the cracks between tables, and recirculated water.
Jack Munz, PhD, 3R’s Chief Pathologist, stated,” 3R continues to undertake research that gives cultivators and nursery operators a more thorough understanding of the epidemiology of this disease. Finding the presence of the viroid in water and on work surfaces augments our previous finding of the disease in Root Aphids and greatly improves the ability to detect, monitor and effectively treat for this disease. This study highlights the need to extend the sanitation procedures currently used in propagation to include surfaces and water sources. As part of that strategy, 3R recommends that cultivators and nursery operators regularly monitor water and surfaces for HLVd.”
Growers have a wide range of testing options to choose from, but only 3R, via its Genie labs division, provides water and surface testing. This additional testing solution supplements our already highly accurate array of solutions, allowing growers to obtain the most appropriate test and optimal results to diagnose and monitor diseases effectively. We conduct testing for all significant pathogens, utilizing only top-quality materials and equipment, ensuring the most precise results at a competitive price. Unlike our competitors, we also provide disease remediation through our tissue culturing services.
About the Company
3 Rivers Biotech is focused on mitigating the risks and uncertainties associated with commercial cultivation. The company offers pathogen testing to diagnose and monitor crop diseases, proprietary tissue culture techniques to remediate infected cultivars, and robust, disease-free clones to its clients.