Aurora Cannabis Breaks Ground with Mildew-Resistant Discovery

2025-03-21 companies

Vancouver, Thursday, 20 March 2025.
Aurora Cannabis discovered PM2, a genetic resistance to powdery mildew, potentially boosting crop yields and reducing chemical use, positioning the company for a competitive edge.

Breakthrough Discovery Details

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (NASDAQ: ACB, TSX: ACB), headquartered in Edmonton, Canada [1], announced on March 19, 2025, the discovery of PM2, a novel genetic resistance against powdery mildew in cannabis sativa [2]. The development represents a significant advancement in cannabis cultivation, as powdery mildew typically damages between 10-15% of cannabis crops when it occurs [3].

Market Impact and Stock Performance

The market has responded positively to this breakthrough, with Aurora’s shares surging 12% to reach CA$6.98 (US$4.87) in Thursday’s trading [4]. The stock has demonstrated significant momentum, showing a year-over-year increase of 27.91%, though it remains down 94.76% compared to 2020 levels [3].

Commercial Implementation

The proprietary genetic marker technology is already being integrated into Aurora’s breeding program at their Aurora Coast research facility [5]. Led by Principal Scientist Jose Celedon in collaboration with researchers at The University of British Columbia, the team emphasizes that breeding genetic resistance represents the most sustainable strategy for disease management, particularly in environments where synthetic pesticides are prohibited [6].

Future Prospects

As a global medical cannabis company operating across Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America [3], Aurora plans to explore commercial launch opportunities for these powdery mildew-resistant cultivars later this year [2]. According to Lana Culley, Vice President of Innovation and International Operations, this discovery offers a critical solution to a pressing industry-wide challenge, potentially reducing production costs while improving product quality and facility biosecurity [7].

Sources

cannabis resistance