b'RONAN KEMPF Assay Sensitivity Protects HEAD OF MARKETING Fields Across the GlobeAND DEVELOPMENT,AGRAUXINE BY LESAFFRE r.kempf@agrauxine.lesaffre.comagrauxine.usTHERE ARE MANYimpor- molecular assay, as false positives or tant objectives that need to befalse negatives impact the reliabil-met when designing a molecularity of a test and reduce consumer Whats the Next Big Thingassay. Generally, assay sensitivityconfidence. is regarded as the most valuableWith a ready-to-use master mix in Biologicals?indicator of test performance. Ourthat is designed just for plants and greatest success so far is our ready- optimized for high sensitivity, agbio WHEN IT COMESto R&Dcoming up with theto-use, specimen-specific qPCRtest developers have a new, simple next big thing really depends on what opportunitiesmaster mixes that offer our cus- solution to creating a great test that you see in the marketplace. But, its always difficulttomers faster product developmentthey can commercialize quickly and seeing and identifying what exactly that next, bigwith increased test sensitivity andeconomically.opportunity is. better cost-efficiency. Our goal in developing real For us at Agrauxine by Lesaffre, we try to focus onWe understand test developerssolutions for our customers means opportunities that have proof of concept or opportuni- spend a significant amount of timesupporting every molecular assay ties that develop through competition watch. The realand effort in evaluating differentdeveloper with the best reagents. question you need to ask yourself when scoping outsuppliers and testing materials toWhether your assay is in field health opportunities, though, is: At the end of the day, will thisdetermine the optimal combinationor mutation detection, our speci-help us launch a scalable product that brings value toof reagents for their test. We mademen-specific qPCR PLANT master growers?it our mission to simplify this pro- mix can help improve your assay In the biological realm, theres a lot of opportunitiescess. We wanted to create a singlesensitivity and reliability to make popping up. One, in particular, is abiotic stress mitiga- master mix formulation that con- it the best performing test on the tion. On a daily basis, we are seeing and experiencingtained all the various componentsmarket.climate changegrowers are investing more in genet- and optimize it for an intended use ics and hoping that there arent any extreme weather essentially a ready-to-use mixevents that impact their yield. But, biologicals have antailored to our agbio customers opportunity to help mitigate abiotic stresses caused byapplication. things like drought and extreme heats.Reliable testing is vital in crop Weby following the opportunityhave a stronganalysis, as the results are central product to mitigate abiotic stress called Smartfoil andto the decision-making process. A applied on more than 3.5 million acres in the world.false negative can lead to diseased Because the discussion on climate change has devel- crops going untreated, uncontrolled oped so much within the last two years, our technolo- disease spread and huge economic gies have continued to develop and expand due tolosses. On the other hand, false grower demand.positives can lead to unnecessary Its hard to see what that next big thing will betreatments, more costs and need-in biologicalsconsumer demand changes all theless waste. Consequently, test sen-time. But, as we continue to dive into and developsitivity is generally regarded to be biologicals, we know finding the next big opportunityone of the most critical features of a depends on how much growers and regulators alike understand biologicals. Education about biologicals, how to use them and understanding what they are and how to createscalable technology with proven efficacy is our goal. Once weve achieved this, 80% of the jobFLORENT CHANG-PI-HINwill be done. VICE PRESIDENT OF R&DWhen it comes down to it, our goal is to use oppor- LIFE SCIENCE, MERIDIAN BIOSCIENCEtunities to grow our knowledge and develop the nextflorent.chang-pi-hin@generation of products and people ready to helpmeridianlifescience.comgrowers in the field achieve their dreams. How are youmeridianbioscience.com/lifesciencepursuing new opportunities? Make sure to let us know. 22/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2022'