One of the main characteristics of the cannabis industry is the great number of rules that regulate the production of this crop. Thus, growing cannabis with high THC or hemp comes with a set of challenges that require growers to be particularly thorough and proactive. This is especially important when it comes to fighting pathogens.
Integrated pest management
Generally speaking, growers cannot use any chemical crop protection, as this can be potentially dangerous for the end consumer. Then, carrying out integrated pest management is particularly advised, as it is a sustainable, ecological approach to managing pests. The very first thing to keep in mind is that IPM assumes proactive behavior on the part of the grower, who should routinely scout hemp plants to address any potential issue before it becomes serious.
However, the lack of commonly accepted standards does not allow growers to rely on a set of procedures that would give them peace of mind. With hemp, such standards might be even trickier, as the majority of this crop is grown outdoors, and therefore there is only so much one can do to contain nature. A good part of the work is done by genetics, that is why it is of the utmost importance to select a hemp variety that can adapt to the climate conditions of a specific latitude.
Hemp pathogens
For this purpose, Virginia State University has released a guide exploring IPM for hemp growing in Virginia. The guide illustrates the basics of the science behind hemp growing, and then it dives into the different pests affecting a hemp crop, and how to fight them.
Among the different pathogens, the cannabis aphid shines as a piercing-sucking insect that feeds exclusively on hemp. As the guide reads, “they can reproduce asexually, so populations can rapidly increase in favorable environments.” According to the University, this aphid does not injure the plant directly. The problem arises in the moment their shed skins get caught in the sticky honeydew that remains on the plant surface, which is not desirable for consumers of raw plant material. On top of that, honeydew represents an excellent substrate for the formation of sooty mold. The combination of honeydew and sooty mold thus contaminate the raw plant material, but can also have repercussions on the plant processing machines.
Virginia State University states that cannabis aphid is a major threat especially for indoor or greenhouse hemp production, particularly in those perpetual harvests operations. Oftentimes, these insects are present on transplants acquired from indoor propagation. Therefore, it is best practice to always inspect the plants before moving them into the greenhouse, or before selling them. Virginia State University points out that if planting indoors, it is crucial to quarantine the plants to make sure that they are free of aphids. If the insect is spotted, then the affected plant should be moved at least 10 feet or more away from others. As the University remarks, “Promptly addressing a few problem plants is far easier than attempting to control a widespread infestation, even if some plants must be destroyed. If this insect establishes a population indoors, it can be problematic and difficult to manage.”
Source pubs.ext.vt.edu