A New Standard In Pathogen Detection

DNA sequencing is the next generation of greenhouse pathogen detection, offering improved insights into both the healthy and pathogenic microbes present in a sample. Through 16S/18S sequencing we are able to identify over 5,000 bacterial and fungal species present in each sample, and determine what portion of the total community they make up. By determining the relative abundance of disease causing organisms in a sample, we can gain improved insights into which organisms are causing disease symptoms. This can help reduce confusion currently associated with interpreting PCR based testing results. Additionally, sequencing based testing allows us to test for all known pathogens in every sample instead of a small number of pre-selected species.

Sample Collection

General Guidelines

  • Always wear gloves when collecting samples to prevent contamination of the sample

  • Disinfect gloves, tools and work surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol / ethanol or 10% bleach before sampling and in between samples to prevent cross contamination

  • Keep collected samples cool to slow microbial growth, and store samples in the freezer within 2 hours of sampling if possible

  • Collect at least a marble’s worth of sample for processing and place each sample in its own 15 ml conical tube

Pricing

Sample pricing includes:

  • Identification of +5,000 bacterial and fungal species per sample

  • Summary report detailing the most prevalent pathogens, bacteria, and fungi in each sample including information on how much of the community each species makes up

  • A brief description of each bacteria and fungal species mentioned in the summary report

  • A spreadsheet listing all of the species identified in each sample and their relative abundances

  • Support from our technical team to answer any questions you may have about your results

Sample Submission

For new customers contact our team to receive a sampling kit by emailing testing@ceragengrow.com

  1. Download our sample submission form and sample information form

  2. Clean your tools and workspace using 70% isopropyl alcohol / ethanol or 10% bleach

  3. Place at least 1 marble’s worth of sample into a new 15 ml conical tube. Label each tube with a unique sample ID (Max 30 characters). If possible take a photo of the sample prior to collection to aid in pathogen identification

  4. Store the conical tube in a cool location (ideally on ice) until it can be transferred into freezer. Ideally transfer all samples to the freezer within 2 hours of collecting

  5. Fill out the sample submission form, and a sample information form for each sample. Email a scan or photo of the completed forms and any sample photos to testing@ceragengrow.com

  6. For customers in Southern Ontario email testing@ceragengrow.com to schedule a sample pickup. For customers outside of Southern Ontario please mail samples to: 319 Victoria St N, Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 5E1. Samples should be shipped with an icepack in the insulated mailer provided in your sampling kit.