Anso-Mite
Thrips Control
Predatory mites
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cannabis
Integrated pest management (IPM) is important when it comes to keeping cannabis plants healthy and productive. This is because cannabis can attract a lot of different pests and diseases that can cause problems. Biological control is a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cannabis cultivation. It involves the use of natural predators, parasitoids, or beneficial organisms to manage pest populations.
Some of the common pests that you might find on cannabis plants are aphids, whitefly, thrips, spider mites, and leaf miners. These pests can damage the plants, which results in less yield and quality.
Next to pests, cannabis plants can also suffer from plant diseases like bacterial infections, mold, and other fungal diseases. These diseases can make the plants weaker, slow down their growth, and affect the leaves and buds if you don't manage them properly.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is vital in cannabis cultivation because it effectively controls pests and diseases, promotes sustainable practices, delays pest resistance, ensures product safety and quality, offers long-term cost savings, aids regulatory compliance, maintains crop predictability, and aligns with consumer preferences for safe, eco-friendly products.
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Biological pest control in cannabis
Thrips control
Biological pest control of thrips in cannabis can be achieved effectively through the use of various biocontrol agents. Predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii (Swirski-Mite, Swirski Ulti-Mite) are valuable allies in thrips management, as they feed on thrips eggs and larvae. Isaria fumosorosea (Isarid), a biological pesticide, can be applied to target thrips populations and inhibit their growth. For additional control, predatory bugs such as Orius insidiosus (Thripor-I) can be introduced, as they feed on thrips at different stages of development.
Fungus gnat control
In the realm of cannabis cultivation, biological solutions have emerged as effective allies in combatting the challenges posed by sciarid flies. Among these innovative products, the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Entonem) targets fungus gnat larvae. This microscopic predator actively seeks out and infects its host, effectively reducing the pest population. Similarly, the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Entomite-M) preys on fungus gnat larvae, further controlling their numbers. The predatory beetle Atheta coriaria (Atheta) offers an additional layer of defense by feeding on the larvae present in the growing medium. Adding to this arsenal is Isaria fumosorosea (Isarid), a biological pesticide that utilizes Isaria fumosorosea to naturally eliminate fungus gnats.
Spider mite control
Biological pest control of spider mites in cannabis crops can be achieved effectively through the use of beneficial predatory organisms. Several biocontrol agents have shown efficacy in controlling spider mite populations. Neoseiulus californicus (Spical, Spical Ulti-Mite) and Phytoseiulus persimilis (Spidex, Spidex Boost, Spidex Vital, Spidex Vital Plus) are predatory mites that target and feed on spider mites, including species like Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). These predatory mites actively seek out spider mite colonies and consume them, helping to reduce their numbers and prevent further damage to the cannabis plants.
Aphid control
Biological pest control is an effective approach to managing aphid infestations in cannabis crops. Several beneficial organisms are utilized as biocontrol agents to suppress aphid populations. Parasitic wasps, including Aphidius colemani (Aphipar), Aphidius matricariae (Aphipar-M), Aphidius ervi (Ervipar) parasitize and control aphid populations by laying eggs inside aphids. Chrysoperla carnea (Chrysopa, Chrysopa-E), commonly known as the green lacewing, is another beneficial insect that feeds on aphids at various life stages. Biological pesticide Isaria fumosorosea (Isarid) infects and kills aphids, contributing to population reduction.
Whitefly control
Biological pest control of whiteflies in cannabis crops can be achieved through the use of various biocontrol agents. Amblyseius swirskii (Swirski-Mite, Swirski Ulti-Mite) are predatory mites that feed on whitefly eggs and nymphs, providing long-term suppression. Isaria fumosorosea (Isarid), biological pesticide, can be applied to target whitefly populations and disrupt their development. The parasitic wasps Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus (Enermix) that parasitize whitefly nymphs.
Russet mite control
Predatory mites offer a promising approach to tackle russet mites. Amblyseius swirskii (Swirski-Mite, Swirski Ulti-Mite) and Neoseiulus californicus (Spical, Spical Ulti-Mite) not only consume these harmful arachnids but also prevent their population from spiraling out of control. With their voracious appetites for pests, these predatory mites serve as natural biocontrols, maintaining a balanced ecosystem within the cannabis environment.
Caterpillar control
The use of beneficial nematodes, including Steinernema carpocapsae (Capsanem), has proven to be successful in controlling caterpillar populations. These nematodes are entomopathogenic, meaning they infect and kill the caterpillars. Once applied, the nematodes actively seek out the caterpillar larvae, penetrate their bodies, and release bacteria that quickly multiply, leading to the demise of the pests. Beneficial nematodes are highly effective in controlling caterpillar populations due to their unique biological characteristics. This method of biological control is highly targeted, as the nematodes specifically seek out caterpillar hosts, making them efficient and environmentally friendly agents in reducing caterpillar populations.
Leaf miner control
Parasitic wasp Diglyphus isaea (Miglyphus) has proven to be beneficial in suppressing leaf miner populations in cannabis crops.
Pest monitoring and scouting in cannabis crops
Scouting and monitoring are fundamental practices in integrated pest management (IPM) for cannabis growers. These proactive approaches involve regular and systematic inspection of crops to identify the presence and severity of pests and diseases. Growers use various techniques, including visual inspections, traps, and modern technologies like remote sensing and digital image analysis, to track potential threats.
Scouting typically begins before planting and continues throughout the growing season, with a focus on early detection. Early identification of pests and diseases allows for timely intervention, reducing the risk of widespread infestations or outbreaks. Monitoring involves recording data on pest and disease populations, their distribution, and environmental conditions. By identifying issues promptly, growers can minimize the impact on crop yield and quality while reducing the environmental footprint associated with chemical treatments.
Sticky traps (Horiver) play a crucial role in monitoring and scouting for plant pests in agriculture and horticulture. Rollertraps are used in case large numbers of whiteflies and thrips are present. These tools are designed to attract, capture, and help identify specific pests, allowing growers to assess pest populations and make informed management decisions.
Crop scouting with Natutec Scout
Using a crop scouting tool can lead to more effective, sustainable, and profitable crop production by providing precision pest monitoring and real-time pest detection alerts. Natutec Scout is a crop scouting tool for effective and efficient pest monitoring.
With Natutec Scout you can use your preferred scout method. Record scout observations by mobile phone manually or use the scanner for Horiver sticky cards for automatic detection of pests. The dashboard provides you with a complete overview of your scouting data which can be extended by uploading historical scouting observations. The real-time pest detection alerts let you stay ahead of potential crop damage.
Disease control in cannabis
Trichoderma harzianum (Trianum) is a beneficial fungus that can be used in cannabis cultivation to prevent and control diseases. This fungus is known for its ability to colonize the roots of plants and produce enzymes that degrade harmful fungi in the soil that cause root rot and other diseases. By promoting the growth of Trichoderma in the soil, growers can improve the overall health and resilience of their cannabis crops, reducing the need for chemical fungicides. Trichoderma harzianum (Trianum) can be applied to the soil or as a foliar spray to prevent and control diseases.
