In the vast prairie landscape of Manitoba, Canada, a small electric vehicle is changing how communities interact with genetic science. This mobile laboratory, equipped with a Bento Lab and an iSeq100 sequencer, allows Genome Prairie to bring DNA sequencing and analysis capabilities directly to crop fields, enabling real-time pest detection and soil microbiome assessment that would previously have required sending samples to distant facilities.
The Genome360 Initiative
Genome Prairie’s Genome360 initiative represents a significant advancement for the region’s agricultural sector, particularly for crops like canola that contribute substantially to Manitoba’s economy. The mobile genomics lab bridges the gap between complex laboratory science and practical field applications by bringing sophisticated DNA technology to the farm gate.
“Instead of having to take samples in the field, bring them back into the lab and do testing there, and then take the information back to the farmers, you’ll actually be able to take the lab to the farmer,” explained Simon Potter, Genome Prairie’s chief scientific officer, to CBC News.
The MOBILE lab vehicle developed by Genome360
DNA Sequencing at the Field Edge
The mobile lab’s technological arsenal includes:
- The Bento Lab – A portable PCR and gel electrophoresis system ideal for field-based DNA extraction and amplification
- The Illumina iSeq100 sequencer – A next-generation sequencing platform capable of generating millions of DNA sequences in a single run
For agricultural applications, these tools enable critical capabilities like rapid identification of crop pathogens, early detection of herbicide-resistant weed biotypes, and assessment of beneficial soil microorganisms—all without leaving the field.
“It’s about as user-friendly as equipment gets. […] It’s really bringing the power of genomics to the people, making people understand that this is nothing to be afraid of, and to embrace the information that genomics can provide.”
Inside the MOBILE lab – a simple lab set-up
Agricultural Biosurveillance and Crop Protection
The Pest Surveillance Initiative, a partnership with the Manitoba Canola Growers Association, exemplifies the practical application of the mobile genomics lab. The initiative conducts ongoing monitoring for pathogens like clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) and blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans)—diseases that can devastate canola yields if not detected early.
Using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis techniques, field technicians can:
- Quantify pathogen load in soil samples
- Identify specific pathogen strains present
- Track the emergence of novel biotypes
- Monitor changes in microbial community structure
“Without knowing what is in the environment and monitoring how it may be changing, we can’t be sure we are making the most economic decisions,” noted Pam Bailey, a canola producer who works with the initiative, to CBC. This genomic information directly informs integrated pest management strategies, including crop rotation decisions and fungicide application protocols.
Cultivating Agricultural Genomics Literacy
Beyond immediate disease surveillance, Genome Prairie is developing educational programs that prepare the next generation of agricultural scientists and technicians. Their curriculum incorporates practical field genomics using the mobile lab to demonstrate:
- DNA barcoding for pest identification
- Microbial community profiling of agricultural soils
- Detection of genetic markers for beneficial crop traits
- Environmental biosurveillance techniques
These skills are increasingly essential as agriculture moves toward data-driven precision farming approaches that rely on molecular diagnostics and genetic information.
Building Rural Capacity for Agricultural Biotechnology
The mobile genomics lab represents more than just technological advancement—it’s building capacity for biotechnology applications in rural communities. By demystifying genomic techniques and demonstrating their practical value to agricultural productivity, Genome Prairie is fostering adoption of science-based decision-making among producers.
With the Bento Lab and iSeq100 sequencer traveling directly to farming communities, this initiative is helping Manitoba’s agricultural sector embrace the genomics revolution—one field at a time.
Photos provided by Genome360.
- CBC News, “From canola to cancer: Partnership aims to make Manitoba a hub for genetic technology. Genome 360 hopes to put genetic sequencing technology in the hands of students, farmers, health workers”, March 21, 2019.
- Top Crop Manager, “Grower-focused lab provides real-time results”, November 11, 2019.
- Genome Prairie, “Genome Prairie advancing provincial Genomics capability by building community through new partnership with the Université de Saint-Boniface”, March 29, 2021
