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Aurora fights a cannabis nemesis: powdery mildew

Published on January 30, 2026 by Pat Bulmer

Photo: Contributed/Utah State University

Aurora Cannabis is making progress in research to combat a mortal enemy of cannabis plants.

Since a breakthrough discovery a year ago of a source of genetic resistance against powdery mildew, Aurora has been testing its findings in trials on elite breeding lines.

“These trials are done to ensure that disease resistance is integrated into high-performing genetics without compromising quality traits that are critical for patients and consumers globally,” the Edmonton-based company said in a news release.

“This progress marks a critical step toward commercialization of powdery mildew-resistant cultivars and demonstrates how science-driven innovation adds great value to our global portfolio of proprietary cannabis products,” said Lana Culley, vice president of innovation and international operations.

The proprietary genetic marker technology was developed at Aurora Coast, the company’s research and development facility, and builds on a previous collaboration with researchers at the University of British Columbia.

Should production trials be successful, the company will look to commercialize PM-resistance cultivars later this year.

Patents are pending in Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.

Aurora also announced two strains it developed in Canada have been granted community plant variety rights in the EU.

“Community Plant Variety Rights, give Aurora exclusive control over the commercial production and sale of these varieties throughout the European Union’s 27 member states for the duration of the protection period,” the company explained. “Obtaining these rights in the EU, as well as existing rights in Canada and other territories, enables Aurora to commercialize the company’s cultivars globally while protecting investments in science and innovation.”

The two now-protected strains are sativa varieties commonly known as Farm Gas and Sourdough.