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US (CA): More than 90% of cannabis farms infected with ‘severe’ pathogen

An infectious pathogen inside California’s pot farms is attacking cannabis plants and growing invisibly for months only to spoil a crop just as a farmer is ready to harvest. Scientists believe that it’s in nearly every pot farm in the state and could be causing billions of dollars in damages to the…

New generation Mycotal released

Used for the biocontrol of whitefly and a number of other pests, Koppert has announced that recent production enhancements have made its biological insecticide, Mycotal, more effective and increased the product’s shelf life.  Mycotal is an entomopathogenic fungus that acts as a natural solution for a range of pests in vegetables,…

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Researchers develop new method to synthesize cannabis plant compound

A group of researchers at Leipzig University has developed a new method for synthesizing cis-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC)—a natural substance found in the cannabis plant that produces the characteristic psychoactive effect and has many potential applications, including in the pharmaceutical industry.…

US (PA): In vitro diagnostics lab to add 32,000 sq. ft. predictive diagnostics innovation center

bioMérieux has signed a lease for a new 32,000 sq. ft. molecular innovation center at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. In addition to supporting legacy molecular solutions that have been supplied to diverse Beverage and Food customers worldwide, the new site will house bioMérieux's rapidly growing xPRO™…

New strategy identified to curb Fusarium

A scientific study uses genetic manipulation techniques to reduce the virulence of Fusarium oxysporum, one of the most important pathogens in the world, inflicting millions of dollars in agricultural losses. Tomatoes, bananas, cabbages, melons, pumpkins, and cucumbers… are just some of the 150 crops of…

Ultrafiltration highly suitable for removal of nematodes and tomato virus

By correctly reusing drain water, a grower can significantly save on valuable nutrients and water. However, since drain water can contain pathogens, treatment of the drain water is essential. Ruud Schulte, Van der Ende Group: "With the application of Kathari, the crop is optimally protected against…

New IPM Specialist for Sierra Biological

Lauren Klaras recently joined Sierra Biological inc as IPM Specialist. Lauren began her experience working in the environmental restoration of prairies, savannahs, and wetlands while pursuing her degree in Biology. After graduating, she accepted a position in commercial cannabis cultivation and was later…

Biobest signs letter to acquire BioWorks

Biobest has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire BioWorks, Inc., a Victor, NY-based manufacturer, and marketer of industry leading biopesticides. According to the company, the proposed acquisition aims to accelerate Biobest Group’s expansion into biopesticides using BioWorks’ innovative…

Rice root aphids: a nuisance for any cannabis grower

Delphy has been receiving increasing reports on rice root aphids found by cannabis growers since the legalization of cannabis cultivation in the United States and other countries. Although other potential pests like thrips, spider mites, broad mites, and cannabis aphids are well-known amongst growers,…

How to prevent powdery mildew in cannabis?

Powdery mildew (PM) is a scourge that every experienced grower encounters at one time or another. There are a multitude of scenarios where powdery mildew establishes itself, through ventilation, worker transportation, transplants etc., but once it finds its way in growers struggle to get their gardens…

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Hermaphrodite cannabis plants: prevention, detection, management

A hermaphrodite flower is one that has both staminate (male) and pistillate (female) floral structures on the same plant. And the reason this is such a dreaded sight is because male structures release pollen. Unpollinated female flowers — the entire goal of sensimilla cannabis production — will become…

Top tips for Hop Latent Viroid sampling

Most cannabis growers don’t know they have a problem with Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) until it’s already too late. HLVd often remains latent in the plant, not showing obvious signs of infection until the flowering stage, when buds are smaller, less dense, and less frosty than usual. Furthermore, growers…

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US (CO): State issues advisory for potentially unsafe MMJ batch at dispensaries

The state is issuing a health and safety advisory for a cannabis batch sold at several dispensaries in Colorado, including in Colorado Springs and the Pueblo area. According to the alert, high levels of yeast and mold were found on medical cannabis flower produced by Long Gone Farms during standard…

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US (CT): State is sending cannabis business owners to college

Included in the law that made the recreational use of cannabis legal in Connecticut is a provision to create a small business accelerator program.   Open to people granted a cannabis social equity license, the idea is to impart knowledge about running a cannabis business to help get those businesses off the ground.…

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US: EPA establishes first pesticide tolerance for hemp

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established the first pesticide tolerance for hemp. This tolerance is for the pesticide ethalfluralin. After a robust human health risk assessment, on April 10th, EPA issued a final tolerance rule that established the maximum amount of ethalfluralin…

What is the Hop Latent Viroid?

Hop latent viroid (HLVd) is an infectious plant pathogen that causes disease in cannabis. HLVd is a viroid that contains a single-stranded RNA molecule that replicates using host plant enzymes to make new copies. Hop latent viroid can remain latent or inactive within infected plants, making it nearly impossible to detect…

Multifunctional patch offers early detection of plant diseases, other crop threats

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an electronic patch that can be applied to the leaves of plants to monitor crops for different pathogens – such as viral and fungal infections – and stresses such as drought or salinity. In testing, the researchers found the patch was able…

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US (MA): Microbial test kits recalled

On March 9, 2023, a Marijuana Establishment notified the Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) of a product recall issued by Medicinal Genomics Corporation (MGC) regarding a test kit that can be used to measure microbial contaminants in cannabis products under proper laboratory conditions. According…

Charlotte's Web forms joint venture to seek FDA-approval for full spectrum hemp extract

Charlotte's Web Holdings has formed a joint venture with AJNA BioSciences PBC and a subsidiary of British American Tobacco PLC, which is contributing US$10 million as the…

"There is an increasing demand for critical cleaning solutions in various industries"

The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook, now in its 5th edition, distills and presents practical information covering the history of aqueous detergents —what they are, how they work, and how to make the best use of them. The Aqueous Cleaning Handbook is written by several senior members of Alconox Inc. These…