Medicinal Cannabis
Overview
Cannabis sativa is an annual plant and has several varieties referred to as "hemp" or “cannabis”.
Medicinal cannabis crops are susceptible to a range of pests including aphids, Broad Mites, Fungus Gnat, Shoreflies, Spider Mites, caterpillars and whiteflies.
Hemp varieties are grown for their industrial fiber and oil content. Medicinal cannabis is grown for therapeutic and pharmaceutical purposes. Cannabis plants have two distinct growth phases: vegetative growth and generative growth (flowering). Medicinal cannabis plants are typically grown in greenhouses or indoor facilities and require a high level of sophistication to balance the agronomy and pharmaceutical parameters of the crop.
Medicinal cannabis varieties contain two types of molecules of medical importance: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds are extracted from the cannabis plants, processed and purified in high-tech pharmaceutical facilities, and formulated into high-purity medicinal product formulations. These products are used for treating a range of neurological disorders, chronic pain conditions, and in palliative care. Australia legalized the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and research purposes on 24 February 2016.
Signs you have Medicinal Cannabis pests
The key to controlling pests in your medicinal cannabis crop effectively is detecting them early and introducing beneficials at the right moment.
- Spider Mites or thrips. Look for leaves with speckling.
- Aphids or whitefly. Leaves covered with honeydew indicate aphid or whitefly hotspots.
- Fungus Gnats or Shoreflies. It is very easy to notice these pests in your crop hovering just above the soil surface or stuck on sticky traps.
Products you can use to control Medicinal Cannabis pests
Biological Services produces a range of products to help you control pests in your medicinal cannabis crop.
You can also use sticky traps and rolls to support your IPM program to monitor and mass-trap winged aphids, Fungus Gnats, thrips and whitefly adults.
Other tips for managing pests in your Medicinal Cannabis
Start scouting early in the crop cycle to ensure your medicinal cannabis crop is clean at all times. Prevention is better than cure.
Be alert to a decline in the vigour of your cannabis plants and subtle changes in leaf colour. These can be signs of pests and diseases.
Seal all gaps, and keep entrances closed when growing in an enclosed structure to prevent pests from entering the crop.
Follow best irrigation and agronomy practices as healthy plants are less susceptible to pest and disease outbreaks.
You can learn more about cannabis cultivation and biological control in cannabis crops through the Biobest Academy.
Your local Biological Services consultant can provide year-round crop monitoring and expert IPM program advice.
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.
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