Cannabis cultivation has experienced significant growth over the past decade. However, as the industry matures, it has encountered various challenges, one of which is the threat of diseases caused by pathogens like the Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd).
According to a recent study, HLVd has become the most destructive cannabis disease in cannabis-growing areas, leading to substantial losses in yield and quality. As growers strive to produce top-tier cannabis, understanding and managing the impact of HLVd is paramount. This week’s White Paper Wednesday delves into the intricacies of HLVd, its transmission modes, detection methods, and effective management strategies, offering critical insights to cultivators seeking to mitigate its detrimental effects.
What is HLVd?
Hop latent viroid (HLVd) is a small infectious RNA molecule that affects hop plants (Humulus lupulus), which are primarily cultivated for use in brewing beer. It belongs to the family Avsunviroidae and is considered a viroid, which is a pathogen that consists solely of a circular, single-stranded RNA molecule without a protein coat.
HLVd was first identified in the 1970s and has since been found in hop-growing regions worldwide. It is known to cause several symptoms and diseases collectively referred to as hop stunt and hop latent viroid disease. The viroid can infect hop plants without causing any noticeable symptoms, leading to latent infections. However, under certain conditions, such as stress or co-infection with other pathogens, the viroid can become active and lead to disease development.
Symptoms of hop latent viroid disease may include stunted growth, reduced yield, poor flower quality, leaf discoloration, and dudding or rapid plant death.
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