Category Archives: Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre

Technologist spent early career exploring genetic building blocks of plants

While Branka Milunovic, PhD, likes to describe herself as a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none,’ her resume and recent accomplishments would indicate otherwise. As the research laboratory technologist for the Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre (AETIC), Branka manages all horticulture and greenhouse research labs and equipment. She collaborates with students and graduate research associates to support the success of applied research projects, … Continue reading Technologist spent early career exploring genetic building blocks of plants »

Mobile app in development to address plant health issues

GrowDoc is a mobile app company utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) systems for rapid identification of causes of unhealthy cannabis plants. Whether a plant is wilting or showing symptoms on the leaves, the New Brunswick-based company wants its products to be able to determine the cause and tell the user what needs to be done to fix it. In order to develop the GrowDoc mobile application, … Continue reading Mobile app in development to address plant health issues »

“Pivotal” research for new market

Bill MacDonald, coordinator and professor of NC’s Commercial Cannabis Production (CCP) program, and Greg Marsh, president at Northern Hemp Specialists, inside the CannaBunker at the Daniel J. Patterson campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Agricultural company Northern Hemp Specialists Ltd. works with clients on finding organic solutions for growth and pathogen resistance for all plants, trees, ornamental flowers and even vineyards. More recently, they’ve found a customer base … Continue reading “Pivotal” research for new market »

NOW HIRING: Computer Programmer Research Assistant position with our AETIC team

Computer Programmer Research Assistant, Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre   The successful candidate will work with the Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre team. The work includes programming, testing and troubleshooting of agricultural data management and mapping web software. The position could involve development of web/cloud/IoT services, and helping to develop robotics technology. You will work with senior team members in Computer Programming and … Continue reading NOW HIRING: Computer Programmer Research Assistant position with our AETIC team »

SoilOptix launches AETIC-created data portal

For growers to capture the full potential of their soil, they need to know what the soil is providing. Enter SoilOptix®, a high-definition top-soil mapping company, using precision agriculture technology to help farmers understand and improve the health of their fields to grow better crops. And the Tavistock, Ont. company has recently launched what it calls its “lifeblood” – a data processing portal created by … Continue reading SoilOptix launches AETIC-created data portal »

A novel solution to cannabis pest

One of the fiercest opponents facing the cannabis industry is the rice root aphid (Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis). Their feeding on cannabis roots can affect plant growth, vigor and productivity. Further, winged adults can become tangled in the sticky trichomes of flowers, and their presence can significantly compromise the plant’s quality and value. To date, few registered products will reliably control these culprits and the industry continues … Continue reading A novel solution to cannabis pest »