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Hemp russet mite: The microscopic menace making big problems
Hemp russet mites (HRM) are microscopic pests that can lead to major problems. HRM are an emerging pest of concern in Cannabis and there is currently little known about its biology. Presented below is what we do know. Biology of HRM The hemp russet mite (HRM) is a member of the Eriophyidae family. They are…
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Integrated pest management: How IPM and ecology can help control insect pests
Integrated pest management is a multipronged approach. IPM combines various mechanical, cultural, biological, and chemical treatments to help control pests and reduce crop loss. To effectively control pests, we need to understand their lifecycle. Western flower thrips as an example pest The western flower thrips begin their life as eggs embedded in plant tissue. Once…
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Balthazar et. al., 2022. Biocontrol of Cannabis bud rot pathogens.
Balthazar, C., Novinscak, A., Cantin, C., Joly, D. L., Filion, M. (2022). Biocontrol activity of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. against Botrytis cinerea and other Cannabis fungal pathogens. Phytopathology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-03-21-0128-R Pathogens kind of suck Bud rot. Wilt. Grey mold. These words strike fear into the hearts of Cannabis growers everywhere. Very few commercial sprays…
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Understanding pathogens to help provide better control: Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is an easy pathogen to recognize on Cannabis, forming white colonies on the upper surface of leaves. This is a common field and greenhouse pathogen and infects many different crops. Powdery mildew is unlikely to kill plants, but it can severely reduce growth and yield. Growth and lifecycle Powdery mildew is an obligate…
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Integrated pest management: An introduction to IPM in indoor cultivation
In Cannabis, there are currently few labeled chemicals for indoor use. Of those that are labeled for use, horticultural oils and biologics make up most of the options. Proper use of horticulture oils generally requires a whole plant drench and depending on grow room conditions and choice of spray, they can result in phototoxicity and…
