Sporometrics’ has a breadth of experience in plant pathology, agricultural research and agritech. We specialize in characterizing and sampling plant pathogens. See some of our projects below…

A $2.5 million Canadian government funded grant was awarded to Sporometrics to study the lethal yellowing disease of coconut in Côte d’Ivoire. The disease has already devastated over 400 ha of farmland and is currently threatening another 7,000 ha on the coast, including the Gene Bank that supplies for Africa, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Indo-Pacific region. The project brought together natural and social scientists from Universities, private sector, and research institutions from Canada, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire for 2.5 years to conduct field sampling, laboratory testing and capacity-building activities to provide farmers and stakeholders with new information and tools to better control the disease, and empower women in addressing gender issues within the coconut production chain. Learn More>

Sporometrics was approached by an agricultural firm to develop a low-tech method for early detection of Alternaria in air and water. Alternaria is a common outdoor fungus that can cause early blight disease in potato and tomato crops. Working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of farmers, engineers, plant pathologists and microbiologists Sporometrics conceived the Sporenado air and water sampler. The sampler is placed in the field trapping airborne and waterborne spores on specialized filters. These filters are then collected for PCR analysis for Alternaria. With an established detection system in place to monitor the presence of this fungi in the environment around them, farmers now have the information to guide fungicide spraying when needed increasing yields and saving crops.