NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) — Arev Brands International, through its holding company BC Bud Depot, has signed a letter of intent with Lighthouse Genomics to undertake genetic quality screening of BC Bud Depot cannabis strains and genovars.
Arev said that it has contributed DNA samples from select BC Bud Depot genovars to the inaugural batch run on a BeadArray genotype chip designed specifically for the cannabis genome. The Illumina Infinium HTS microarray, designed by Lighthouse Genomics, allows up to 96 samples to be tested in a single batch run.
Under the terms of the LOI, BC Bud Depot will receive preferential pricing on Lighthouse sequencing, genotyping, and consulting services for one year, subject to renewal upon mutual agreement of both parties.
During this period, BC Bud Depot will test and provide consultation on new services or technologies offered by Lighthouse Genomics. Initial services are to focus on mapping genetic diversity of the BC Bud Depot catalogue, creating genetic profiles of unique individuals, and co-developing data-handling protocols for BC Bud Depot’s genetic screening and cannabis breeding program.
"The Lighthouse cannabis array provides us an efficient tool for screening a vast number of plants for their genetic value," Matthew Harvey, founder and lead breeder at BC Bud Depot, said in a statement. "We have been anticipating the completed manufacture of this custom cannabis array, as it is specific to our needs of producing genetic intelligence for our breeding programs. It draws our focus to those unique plant genomes holding especially high potential for enhancing the genetic quality and diversity of our cannabis gene pool."