Features Business & Policy Markets
Funding for diagnostic technology to improve corn yields

Mar. 20, 2015 - A&L Biologicals Inc. is receiving an investment of $1.19 million from the federal government to help develop a diagnostic test that will help corn producers increase their productivity through improved plant and soil health.

A&L Biologicals will use molecular technologies to detect and diagnose microorganisms that impact corn output. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers at the Southern Crop Protection and Food Research Centre in London will collaborate with industry on a number of activities, including research into new green microbe-enhanced manure fertilizers.

Field trials will initially commence in Ontario, but will later be extended to other corn-growing regions in Quebec and Manitoba.

Corn is one of Canada's principal field crops, reaching a record output of 13.1 million tonnes in 2012.