Aurora Cannabis on Vancouver Island is home to one of the largest cannabis gene libraries in the world.
Comox Valley announced earlier this month that its focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that control flowering and ripening times in cannabis could lead to improved crop yields and adaptability.
Aurora hopes to increase the economic value of cannabis by exploiting the natural fluctuations in cannabis' circadian rhythms. Through research and development, we are working to overcome conventional limitations and improve cultivation techniques.
Aurora is conducting research into automatic flowering technology. Autoflowering is when a genetic trait allows a plant to automatically transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage without depending on the light cycle.
This technology could transform outdoor cannabis cultivation in high latitude regions such as Canada.
“As a science-backed company, we have long invested in our own research and research with leading academic institutions, and from that research we have learned important things,” said Aurora Breeding and Genetics. said Director Dr. Jose Celedon. “Our recent research on autoflowering will revolutionize cannabis and hemp production. This research speaks to our expertise and investment in the science that will move this industry forward.”
Aurora Cannabis' innovations addressing outdoor cultivation, particularly in high latitude regions, will lead to increased yields in outdoor environments. Aurora's recently granted U.S. patent will enable Aurora's breeding program to identify and select for autoflowering traits in a variety of cannabis plants.
Aurora Cannabis has been conducting research and development on cannabis breeding since 2018. The company's breeding programs typically produce 40 to 100 percent more flowers than traditional varieties.
Located in Comox, the facility has 32,200 square feet of facilities, including 10,000 square feet and 21,700 square feet of greenhouse space dedicated to research.
