When a virus threatens to wipe out entire tomato and pepper crops, growers are left with little recourse—until now. Prodigie Innovation Evolved (Prodigie), an inventive company based in LaSalle, Ontario, has taken on the challenge of combating the rugose virus head-on. With support from the Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN) and researchers at the University of Windsor, Prodigie is developing the world’s first human-safe, commercially viable treatment for this devastating plant disease. It’s not just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a potential lifeline for greenhouse producers in Ontario and beyond.
Challenge:
The rugose virus is a highly contagious plant pathogen that poses a serious threat to tomato and pepper crops worldwide. Existing solutions are either ineffective, unsafe or not commercially feasible, leaving growers with few options for prevention or treatment.
Solution:
Prodigie and their research partners focused on refining a novel, biologically based formula that is both effective and safe for use around humans. The team improved the formula’s performance, reduced its production cost, and ensured it could remain stable under a variety of storage conditions—key steps toward real-world application.
Impact:
This project has brought Prodigie closer to launching the first effective and affordable rugose treatment globally. This means better crop protection, reduced losses, and improved food security for greenhouse growers. In commercializing this novel solution, the Windsor-Essex greenhouse cluster signals leadership in agri-innovation on the world stage.
This project was made possible by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, through the Niagara College-led Greenhouse Technology Network.
Visit Agriculture at UWindsor’s website to learn more about its resources and capabilities.
(Project #UW005)
