Cannabis Growth Disease Control

Cannabis is a tremendously popular crop for both recreational and medicinal uses. It is also a rapidly evolving industry, but as with any agricultural crop, it is vulnerable to disease and pests that can impact both the quality and quantity of the crop. Cannabis plant disease control is critical to maintaining a successful grow. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to prevent and control diseases. Here are some of the most common diseases found in cannabis plants, as well as ways to control and prevent those diseases:

Fungal Diseases: Fungal diseases, like powdery mildew and downy mildew, can appear on cannabis plants as white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems. Extremely high humidity or inadequate air circulation can contribute to fungal problems. To control fungal diseases, try to increase air circulation and reduce the humidity in your grow space. You can also apply a fungicide as part of your plant disease control regimen. Make sure to choose a product that is labeled for use on cannabis plants.

Pest Diseases: Pests, like aphids, mites, and spider mites, can transmit viruses that can cause serious damage to cannabis plants. To reduce your risk of viruses caused by pests, inspect your plants regularly and remove any pests you may find. Additionally, some insecticides can be used as preventative measures to help protect your plants from pests.

Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases, like bacterial leaf spot and bacterial wilt, can occur on cannabis plants if temperatures are too high or there is poor air flow. To help prevent and control bacterial diseases, make sure to keep your grow space cool and reduce humidity levels. Additionally, you can use a copper-based bactericide, which can help to prevent and control bacterial diseases.

Viruses: Viruses can spread quickly and can be difficult to eradicate. To prevent and control viruses, practice good sanitary habits and use sterile instruments when handling plants. Additionally, be sure to isolate any sick or infected plants to prevent the virus from spreading. By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of your cannabis plants becoming infected by a variety of diseases.

While the above measures can help reduce the risk of a disease, it is important to remember that the best way to protect your crop is to practice good plant husbandry practices and pay close attention to your plants. This can help you spot signs of disease early and take steps to treat the problem before it becomes a major issue. If you suspect your plants are infected with a disease, contact your local extension office for management and treatment help.