TUMI Genomics is partnering with Purple City Genetics, whereby the TUMIGlow™ Platform will assume the OnSight™ cannabis testing services. While TUMI Genomics will now manage pathogen testing services, Purple City Genetics will continue to offer high-yield cannabis cultivars.
Auryn McCafferty, Principal and Founder of Purple City Genetics stated, "At Purple City Genetics, our focus and promise to our customers has always been to deliver robust, pathogen-free genetics. Transitioning our OnSight™ testing technology to TUMI Genomics means we can hyperfocus on providing high-quality lab and cultivation services. At the end of the day, we just want to provide our customers with clean, healthy crops."
Purple City Genetics conducted a comparison study between OnSight™ and TUMIGlow™, testing 144 samples with in-lab quantitative PCR as the reference standards. TUMIGlow identified 90% of the positive samples, missing two positives with very low viroid loads (<3 viroid copies per uL). OnSight detected 32% of positives, missing medium and low-level infections. These results confirmed that TUMIGlow's sensitivity is comparable to in-lab qRT-PCR.
As part of the collaboration, TUMI Genomics and Purple City Genetics will work on research projects to optimize cultivation practices. Tassa Saldi, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of TUMI Genomics, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, "While our strength lies in molecular testing, Purple City Genetics excels in cultivation and nursery operations. We can optimize testing procedures and improve efficiency by leveraging both teams' expertise. We're eager to learn from Purple City Genetics' team to refine our products and create realistic testing programs for cultivators."
To ensure a smooth transition for current OnSight customers, TUMI Genomics offers priority access to TUMIGlow's on-site testing device or in-lab services. Luke Horst, formerly Sales Lead at Purple City Labs, has joined TUMI Genomics as Sales Director, ensuring an easy transition for all cannabis cultivators. McCafferty expressed confidence in the transition, noting, "Transferring OnSight customers to the TUMIGlow platform has been seamless, thanks to the TUMIGlow's compatible procedure and parallel science."
The Glow Technology offers rapid results, ease of use, high specificity, and data-driven decision-making, detecting as low-level infections with over 95% accuracy. The TUMIGlow procedure is paired with intelligent software that helps cultivators assess pathogen mitigation programs and make informed decisions based on real-time data. Glow Technology currently focuses on hop latent viroid (HLVd) testing, but future kits are underway to test for other pathogens like Fusarium and Pythium.
Tassa Saldi, PhD, added, "Providing support and education for cultivators is the heart of our mission at TUMI Genomics. And we're proud to extend our pathogen testing products and services to former OnSight clients. With this collaboration, we can combine the strengths of both teams to develop efficient and effective standard operating procedures (SOPs). Together, we'll help cultivators combat pathogens and ensure their hard work produces thriving, healthy crops."
For more information:
TUMI Genomics
[email protected]
tumigenomics.com
Purple City Genetics
purplecitygenetics.com