Aurora Cannabis is researching auto-flowering technology, a genetic characteristic that automatically transitions a cannabis plant from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage rather than relying on changes in light cycles. The company said its work provides foundational insight on flowering mechanism in cannabis, which will support future breeding strategies, and can be leveraged to improve outdoor cannabis cultivation in high-latitude regions, such as Canada.
"As a company backed by science, we have long invested in research both independently and with leading academic institutions, and have achieved significant learning from our work," said Jose Celedon, PhD, Director, Breeding and Genetics at Aurora.
Most of the commercially grown cannabis is photoperiod sensitive, meaning that plants require shifts in day length to trigger flowering. While this can be controlled readily in indoor production, it is a limitation for outdoor cultivation, especially in high-latitude regions. Aurora has received a US Patent 12,002,546, "Methods of Determining Sensitivity to Photoperiod in Cannabis", which enables Aurora's breeding program to identify and select for the auto flowering trait.
The company said its research has significantly improved potency and yield, thereby driving down cost per gram and increasing overall efficiency. Aurora has been investing in cannabis breeding since 2018, and the novel cultivars identified from this breeding program consistently yield 40-100% more flower than legacy varieties.
The company's focus on unravelling the molecular mechanisms controlling flowering and maturity time in cannabis holds promise for enhancing crop yield and adaptability. By exploiting the natural variation in the circadian rhythm of cannabis, Aurora aims to elevate the economic value of both medical and recreational cannabis.
