Growing cannabis can be a rewarding and exciting experience for many cannabis fans, but there are a variety of man-made diseases and pests that can affect the crop.
These diseases and pests often progress rapidly if not detected and treated early. The three most dangerous diseases for cannabis are white mold, late blight and canker rot. These diseases, if not treated properly.
- White mold, caused by Trichoderma harzianum fungus. This disease often develops in a crop under conditions of optimum moisture or temperature for fungal growth. White mold usually appears as white spots on the collar of the plant and on the stem. These spots spread rapidly, which eventually eats away essential nutrients from the cannabis plant. It can also lead to the death of the plant. Fortunately, white mold can be prevented by limiting watering and controlling temperatures.
- Late blight is a disease caused primarily by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. This disease is particularly virulent on plants outdoors or in warm, humid climates. It presents as infections on the stem and darkened leaves of the plant, accompanied by a kind of scab on the fruit. Late blight is particularly related to excess moisture in the soil, as well as an excessive supply of nutrients. To prevent this disease, take care when watering the crop, keep the soil free of weeds, and prune the plant’s peduncles to promote good airflow.
- Canker rot has been the leading cause of losses in cannabis cultivation in recent years. Pseudomonas syringae pv. cannabis causa una enfermedad foliar con manchas verdes en los bordes de las hojas que se extienden hacia el centro, agotando los nutrientes de la planta. To prevent canker rot, experts recommend reducing irrigation to avoid excessive soil waterlogging, eliminating weed growth, and ensuring proper greenhouse ventilation
Preventing and treating these diseases is vital for a good and productive cannabis crop.
Neglecting these diseases will increase the likelihood that the crop will not be productive enough to make a profit, which basically means a wasted investment. For that reason, agricultural engineers recommend growers to perform rigorous inspection and testing, to identify potential disease early, and provide appropriate treatment. In this way, the cannabis crop will benefit from its good results and the excellent quality of the fruits obtained from the harvest.
How to avoid the contagion of a Cannabis crop
Cannabis cultivation has become a popular form of recreation, and a booming industry in many parts of the world. However, people often link cannabis use to the spread of person-to-person transmitted diseases. Responsible management of cannabis cultivation can prevent these contagions and minimize associated risks.
Here are some tips to avoid contagion in cannabis cultivation.
- Use disposable equipment. Using disposable items such as gloves, syringes, solution bottles and grow containers is an effective way to prevent the spread of disease. These items are used to control disinfection and prevent cross-pollination of seeds between crops.
- Clean and disinfect all materials before use. Proper cleaning and disinfection of growing equipment and utensils before use is an essential tool to prevent the spread of disease. For deep cleaning, a detergent solution and hot water or a natural disinfectant is recommended.
- Dispose of garbage properly. After cleaning and disinfecting the materials, it is very important to dispose of the garbage properly. Materials used for cultivation such as empty bottles, straws and plastics should be disposed of properly to prevent the spread of disease.
- Use proper lighting. Lighting also plays an important role in controlling the spread of disease. Using proper decorative lamps to ensure adequate illumination of crops is an important measure to ensure their health.
- Use organic fertilizers. Using organic and non-toxic fertilizers on crops is an effective way to prevent the spread of diseases. This will help keep crops healthy and immunized against disease-causing germs such as mold.
- Regularly monitor the condition of crops. After implementing all the necessary measures to prevent contagion, it becomes crucial to consistently monitor the condition and progress of the crops. This practice enables the prompt detection of any signs of disease, allowing for the timely implementation of appropriate control measures.
- Feed them properly. Cannabis plants need to be fed correctly so that they have the right amount of nutrients to maintain their health. It is important to give them the right nutrient and in the right amount to prevent the development of diseases.
Importance of keeping a cannabi crop clean.
Cleaning in a cannabis crop is essential, otherwise growers run the risk of facing diseases or other problems that can affect the health of the plants. The main purpose of cleaning is to facilitate access to sunlight, an essential element for the healthy development of cannabis plants. Sunlight provides the energy needed for plants to grow and develop properly. By keeping the crop clean and free of weeds, droppings, dust or other items that can block sunlight, growers maximize the amount of sunlight that can reach the plant, which increases the production of better yields.
It is also crucial to remove any remnants of chemicals used for pest and disease control. The presence of chemicals past or present in the substrate can affect the quality and content of the crop, in addition to compromising the health of the growers and the surrounding area. This is why it is essential to keep the cultivation area clean before starting any process of fertilization, insecticides, fungicides, etc.
An additional point to consider is the need to keep the atmosphere of the area free of any pathogens harmful to the plant.
This is achieved by keeping the crops free of weeds, insects or fungi, as well as domesticated and wild animals that can transmit diseases to the plants. To prevent the presence of pests in their crop, cannabis growers can perform a good regular cleaning of the area, using chemicals or organic methods, and carefully monitor the plant for possible infections or problems.
In addition, cleaning the cannabis growing area will also have a positive impact on the appearance of the crop. Many cannabis growers strive for a coveted and appealing look with their crops. Good grooming will clearly increase the aesthetics of the crop, making it easier for the grower to obtain a better quality product and a higher price, while also making it easier to sell the product.
Keeping a cannabis crop clean is an important part of the success of any cannabis garden. The grower must understand and employ the proper mechanisms to keep harmful pathogens away, while allowing sufficient sunlight, and perform good cleaning to improve the quality of their