A breakthrough in frost protection for fruit crops, developed by B.C.-based startup Advanced AgriScience, has been recognized in the Green Pursuit national pitch competition. The company's innovative approach, which uses naturally occurring micro-organisms and protective proteins, was named runner-up in this national sustainability and innovation challenge.
Founder Collin Juurakko is confident that his product, a dry powder blended with water and sprayed onto plants, can prevent frost damage. The solution could offer up to 95% cost savings per acre without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions or consuming large amounts of water. Juurakko's vision is to replace or complement existing frost protection methods with a more sustainable alternative.
His research began at Queen's University in Kingston, where he studied the formation of frost. He discovered a protective protein that can interact with water molecules on plants, preventing ice crystals from forming. Unlike traditional methods such as wind machines and irrigation, this approach tackles the molecular cause of frost.
Juurakko is currently seeking regulatory approvals for field trials with the aim of commercializing his frost protection solution by spring 2025. While his initial focus is on high-value Canadian horticultural crops, he believes the technology could also be effective for field crops.
Source: farmtario.com