In order to keep up with the growing number of pathogens affecting Cannabis, we are continuously updating our available tests, choosing only to use the most validated and accurate tests in order to provide our clients with the best possible service. We are happy to announce we will be offering Alfalfa Mosaic Testing Beginning July 10, 2023. We work closely with Medicinal Genomics to be apprised to the most current information regarding pathological organisms and cannabis. 
We also choose to not offer assays for pathogens not documented in cannabis. We do not offer Armillaria mellea fungal identification for cannabis plants, because there is no documented evidence of this fungal organism infecting Cannabis plant tissues. Armillaria mellea, also known as the Honey Fungus, does in fact have a wide range of hosts, however we have never encountered it in Cannabis, or seen any documented cases of such. 
We work to bring you the most relevant information and screening for Cannabis growers. 

As an active researcher in the scientific world, I have said good byes to many obsolete pieces of equipment after their software or hardware was no longer supported by the original manufacturer. Windows progresses, and so does software. Hardware progresses as well. We hate to say goodbye to a well functioning piece of equipment because we can no longer receive service.  On the flip side, I love getting a great deal on a piece of lab equipment that I can use myself. I can find the companies willing to certify and warranty these instruments, giving me access at a fraction of the cost. 
I finally bit the bullet and purchased an RTPCR machine to run multiplexes of virus and viroid assays. Finding which cables and computer would support it all was quite the endeavor. Knowing what you need is more than half the battle.
I can see the top of this mountain...

This was a really fun experiment. I enjoyed learning about the LAMP PCR (Loop-mediated isothermic amplification)(Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology that allows for colormetric, or visual spectrum analysis of DNA amplification. The possible uses of this technology are endless, especially for specific assays in regions where access to technology is limited. Typically, a machine that can heat and cool rapidly is required, as well as an imaging method, such as an agarose gel and UV light.
I enjoyed how easy this assay was to execute. I really like that the assay was relatively short, and required only two steps, one for the leaf lysis, the other for the DNA amplification. The Loop amplification process allows for amplification to happen endlessly at one temperature by looping the primers. If the primers detect the target DNA sequence, they will amplify that sequence. When enough DNA accumulates, it will change the pH of the tube, and the color indicator will change from pink to peach or yellow. I really liked that anyone could do this assay. 
Upon completing this assay, I had several concerns and one was the positive control for the leaf lysis step. Typically in a lab we measure the amount of DNA extracted. That serves as a control for the presence of DNA. In the absence of this, genes that are always present can be amplified, or the background DNA can be measured when using quantitative PCR, aka real time PCR. The good thing was that the company sells positive controls to make sure your assay worked, regardless of the quality or presence of DNA. 
My results were great, nothing I tested was positive for Fusarium, Botrytis, or Powdery Mildew. The negative controls were all negative. The positive control showed yellow, or positive. All in all, I would say this is a great assay for a grower or Caregiver to run routinely in house. I hesitate to run this as an official assay though for customers because of the lack of internal controls. Contact me if you need help running this assay or others offered by Medicinal Genomics.