Description:

This episode features two innovative companies addressing critical agricultural challenges. Stephanie Gamez, Director of R&D at AgraGene, introduces their gene-editing technology designed to combat Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest devastating small fruit crops. Using sterile insect techniques, AgraGene offers growers an environmentally friendly, sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

Thai Sade, Founder and CEO of BloomX, discusses their biomimicking pollination solutions that enhance the natural pollination process, helping growers overcome labor shortages and optimize yields for crops like avocados and blueberries. Together, these technologies represent groundbreaking solutions for pest control and pollination challenges in the agriculture industry.

Key Points from the Conversation:

• AgraGene’s sterile insect technology and its application in controlling Drosophila suzukii.

• The environmental benefits of reducing chemical pesticide usage.

• BloomX’s data-driven approach to optimizing pollination windows.

• How both companies are addressing challenges like climate change, labor shortages, and sustainable farming practices.

Guest Information:

Stephanie Gamez – Director of R&D at AgraGene, a company using gene-editing technologies to provide sustainable pest control solutions for agriculture.

Thai Sade – Founder and CEO of BloomX, a leader in biomimicking pollination technology that supports growers in enhancing crop yields.