The Great Lakes Forestry Centre (GLFC), a leader in the Canadian pest management sector, and the Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI) are partnering in the development of a virus for the control of an insect that causes hundreds of millions of dollars of damage to crops annually.

The increased adoption of safe, biological pesticides into integrated pest management programs in forestry and agriculture will result in an overall improvement in rural economies. In addition, these agents have the potential to improve forest protection and food production, to reduce environmental and health costs associated with the use of toxic chemical pesticides, and to create regional biopesticide enterprises.

“Ontario needs to dramatically speed up the conversion of genomics discoveries into products that will benefit its citizens and develop new areas of growth for the economy." said Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO of OGI. "Partnering with GLFC gives OGI the opportunity to accelerate the commercialization of genomics-driven products in forestry and agriculture in Ontario, in Canada and globally."

OGI will invest in the development of a genetically modified virus for the biological control of the Velvet Bean Caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis, an insect that causes hundreds of millions of dollars of damage annually to soybeans and other legume crops. Legumes are used in foods, food and feed additives, food and soap manufacturing processes, nutriceuticals, alkyd resins, and drying oils (such as paints, varnishes, linoleum and printing inks). This group of viruses has a proven safety record against non-target organisms such as fish, birds and mammals.

“This research on the Velvet Bean Caterpillar will be carried out with collaboration from Brazilian scientists”, said GLFC Research Director Errol Caldwell. “The technology was originally developed at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre with the Spruce Budworm and one of its specific viruses as the primary technology platform. The Spruce Budworm is one of the country’s most serious forest pests. Research at GLFC has demonstrated that it is possible to use an insect specific virus, modified to contain part of the insect’s own genome, to interfere with the molting process and cause feeding inhibition and premature death. It is this technology platform that will be used for the Velvet Bean Caterpillar. “

The Ontario Genomics Institute leads Ontario in building its world-renowned scientific excellence in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics to become a preeminent global cluster for research, commercialization and public education. With projects valued at almost $300 million, OGI finds funds for both genomics-driven research and the commercialization of its assets, and partners in accelerating the transfer of products from the lab to the marketplace.

The Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, carries out federal forest research and policy development in Ontario. One of five Canadian Forest Service research establishments across Canada, the Centre provides the forest sector with information and leading edge technologies to ensure it remains competitive, environmentally responsible, and sustainable.