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Biological crop protection in cannabis

Cannabis crops can be affected by pests such as thrips, fungus gnats, spider mites, aphids, russet mites, and broad mites throughout the cultivation cycle.

Effective cannabis pest management requires a tailored, integrated approach. Koppert supports commercial growers with science-based biological crop protection and IPM strategies, combining monitoring, beneficial insects and predatory mites, and expert guidance.

By analyzing factors such as climate, crop stage, and pest pressure, we help growers implement customized solutions that support crop health, quality, and sustainable production.

  • Protect crop quality with proven solutions
  • Tailored strategies to your facility
  • Reliable results every season
  • Trusted partner in cannabis cultivation
  • 50+ years of biological expertise
  • Reliable supply
Since implementing Koppert’s biological solutions, we’ve achieved more consistent pest control and stronger crop quality throughout our cultivation cycles.
Michael Rivera
Head Grower at GreenLeaf Cultivation

Cannabis expertise with local support

Koppert supports commercial cannabis growers with expert guidance tailored to local cultivation conditions and pest pressures. Our cannabis specialists understand a wide range of growing systems, facility environments, and regional challenges across the industry.

By combining local knowledge with global biological control expertise, we help growers implement effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for pests such as thrips, spider mites, fungus gnats, aphids, russet mites, and broad mites.

Cannabis regulations and pesticide restrictions vary by region. Koppert stays up to date with local requirements to provide biological crop protection solutions that align with both compliance standards and grower preferences.

Key Cannabis Pests to Watch for in Every Growth Stage

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Resilient Growing

Solutions designed to support stronger, more resilient crops.

Propagation Phase

  • Fungus gnats

    Fungus gnat larvae are common root-feeding pests during the propagation phase of cannabis cultivation. These tiny larvae feed on young roots and organic matter in growing media, damaging delicate root systems and stunting early plant development. Infestations can lead to slower growth, weaker plants, and increased susceptibility to root diseases.

    Biological control of fungus gnats in cannabis

    Koppert offers an effective biological control strategy for fungus gnats during the cannabis propagation phase.

    • Entonem contains beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) that actively target and kill fungus gnat larvae in the growing media, helping protect young roots and improve plant establishment.
    • Entomite-M contains the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus, which feeds on fungus gnat eggs and larvae in the substrate, providing long-term preventative control in propagation trays and pots.
    • Horiver Disc sticky traps help monitor and reduce adult fungus gnat populations by trapping flying insects around the base of cannabis plants and propagation blocks.
  • Root pathogens

    Root pathogens such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Phytophthora are major threats during the cannabis propagation phase. These soilborne diseases attack young roots and stems, causing damping-off, root rot, poor rooting, and weakened plant development. Infected cuttings and seedlings may show symptoms such as yellowing, wilting, stunted growth, or sudden collapse. Warm, wet growing conditions and overwatered substrates can increase disease pressure. Early prevention through proper hygiene, environmental management, and biological solutions is essential to maintain healthy root development and successful cannabis propagation.

    Biological control of root pathogens in cannabis

    Trianum-P is Koppert’s biological solution for preventing and controlling root pathogens during the cannabis propagation phase. Based on the beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum T-22, Trianum-P colonizes young roots and protects them against damaging soilborne diseases such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Phytophthora. It works by competing with pathogens for space and nutrients, parasitizing harmful fungi, and strengthening the plant’s natural defenses.

    In cannabis propagation, Trianum-P supports stronger root development, improved nutrient uptake, and more uniform plant growth — helping young plants establish quickly under high-pressure conditions. The product can be applied preventatively through drench or irrigation systems immediately after sowing or sticking cuttings for optimal root zone protection.

Vegetative Stage

  • Aphids

    Aphids are common cannabis pests that can rapidly reproduce and spread throughout the crop, feeding on leaves, stems, and flowers. Their feeding damage and honeydew production can reduce plant vigor, impact crop quality, and increase the risk of secondary issues such as sooty mold.

    Biological solutions for aphids in cannabis

    • Aphipar-M – A parasitoid wasp that targets aphids by laying eggs inside them, stopping reproduction and reducing populations quickly.
    • Aphipar – Contains beneficial parasitoids that actively search for and control multiple aphid species in cannabis crops.
    • Aphidend – A banker plant system that continuously supports beneficial insects for long-term preventative aphid control.
    • Chrysopa – Green lacewing larvae that feed aggressively on aphids and other soft-bodied pests during all crop stages.
    • Chrysopa-E – Lacewing eggs that hatch into predatory larvae, providing preventative biological aphid control.
    • Ervipar – A specialized parasitoid wasp that effectively controls larger aphid species by parasitizing aphid colonies.
  • Root aphids

    Root aphids are destructive cannabis pests that feed on plant roots, reducing nutrient uptake and weakening overall plant vigor. Infestations can lead to slower growth, yellowing plants, reduced yields, and increased susceptibility to root diseases. Because root aphids develop below the growing media surface, early detection and preventative biological control are essential.

    Biocontrol solutions for root aphids in cannabis

    • Entomite-M – Contains the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus, which feeds on root aphid eggs and larvae in the growing media.
    • Aphipar – Beneficial parasitoids that help reduce aphid populations by parasitizing aphids before infestations spread.
    • Aphidend – A banker plant system that supports continuous populations of beneficial insects for preventative aphid management.
    • Chrysopa – Predatory green lacewing larvae that feed on root aphids and other soft-bodied pests, helping reduce pest pressure naturally.
  • Spider mites

    Spider mites are one of the most damaging pests in cannabis cultivation. They feed on plant cells, causing stippling, discoloration, webbing, and rapid plant decline. Under warm and dry conditions, spider mite populations can spread quickly throughout the crop, impacting plant health and yield.

    Biocontrol solutions for spider mites in cannabis

    • Spical – Contains the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus, which feeds on spider mites and helps prevent outbreaks.
    • Spical Ulti-Mite – A slow-release sachet system that provides continuous predatory mite release for long-term spider mite prevention.
    • Spical-Plus – Combines predatory mites with additional food sources to establish populations quickly in the crop.
    • Spidend – Contains the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, a highly effective biological control for active spider mite infestations.
    • Spidex – A fast-acting predatory mite solution that targets spider mites in multiple crop stages.
    • Spidex Boost – Supports rapid establishment of predatory mites for faster spider mite suppression.
    • Spidex Vital – Provides effective spider mite control with enhanced predator performance under varying crop conditions.
    • Spidex Vital Plus – Combines spider mite predators with supplemental nutrition for improved establishment and control.
    • Isarid – A biological insecticide based on beneficial fungi that infect and control spider mites naturally.
  • Thrips

    Thrips are common cannabis pests that damage leaves and flowers by feeding on plant tissue, causing silvering, scarring, and reduced crop quality. They can also spread plant pathogens and rapidly reproduce in protected cultivation environments.

    Biocontrol solutions for thrips in cannabis

    • Anso-Mite – Contains the predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni, which feeds on thrips larvae and helps prevent infestations.
    • Anso-Mite Plus – A preventative sachet solution that continuously releases predatory mites for long-term thrips control.
    • Atheta – A beneficial predatory beetle that targets thrips pupae and other soil-dwelling pests in the growing media.
    • Entomite-M – Predatory mites that feed on thrips pupae in the substrate, helping reduce pest populations early.
    • EntonemBeneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) that target thrips pupae in the growing media for effective biological control.

Flowering Stage

  • Aphids

    Aphids are common cannabis pests that can rapidly reproduce and spread throughout the crop, feeding on leaves, stems, and flowers. Their feeding damage and honeydew production can reduce plant vigor, impact crop quality, and increase the risk of secondary issues such as sooty mold.

    Biological solutions for aphids in cannabis

    • Aphipar-M – A parasitoid wasp that targets aphids by laying eggs inside them, stopping reproduction and reducing populations quickly.
    • Aphipar – Contains beneficial parasitoids that actively search for and control multiple aphid species in cannabis crops.
    • Aphidend – A banker plant system that continuously supports beneficial insects for long-term preventative aphid control.
    • Chrysopa – Green lacewing larvae that feed aggressively on aphids and other soft-bodied pests during all crop stages.
    • Chrysopa-E – Lacewing eggs that hatch into predatory larvae, providing preventative biological aphid control.
    • Ervipar – A specialized parasitoid wasp that effectively controls larger aphid species by parasitizing aphid colonies.
  • Root aphids

    Root aphids are destructive cannabis pests that feed on plant roots, reducing nutrient uptake and weakening overall plant vigor. Infestations can lead to slower growth, yellowing plants, reduced yields, and increased susceptibility to root diseases. Because root aphids develop below the growing media surface, early detection and preventative biological control are essential.

    Biocontrol solutions for root aphids in cannabis

    • Entomite-M – Contains the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus, which feeds on root aphid eggs and larvae in the growing media.
    • Aphipar – Beneficial parasitoids that help reduce aphid populations by parasitizing aphids before infestations spread.
    • Aphidend – A banker plant system that supports continuous populations of beneficial insects for preventative aphid management.
    • Chrysopa – Predatory green lacewing larvae that feed on root aphids and other soft-bodied pests, helping reduce pest pressure naturally.
  • Spider mites

    Spider mites are one of the most damaging pests in cannabis cultivation. They feed on plant cells, causing stippling, discoloration, webbing, and rapid plant decline. Under warm and dry conditions, spider mite populations can spread quickly throughout the crop, impacting plant health and yield.

    Biocontrol solutions for spider mites in cannabis

    • Spical – Contains the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus, which feeds on spider mites and helps prevent outbreaks.
    • Spical Ulti-Mite – A slow-release sachet system that provides continuous predatory mite release for long-term spider mite prevention.
    • Spical-Plus – Combines predatory mites with additional food sources to establish populations quickly in the crop.
    • Spidend – Contains the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, a highly effective biological control for active spider mite infestations.
    • Spidex – A fast-acting predatory mite solution that targets spider mites in multiple crop stages.
    • Spidex Boost – Supports rapid establishment of predatory mites for faster spider mite suppression.
    • Spidex Vital – Provides effective spider mite control with enhanced predator performance under varying crop conditions.
    • Spidex Vital Plus – Combines spider mite predators with supplemental nutrition for improved establishment and control.
    • Isarid – A biological insecticide based on beneficial fungi that infect and control spider mites naturally.
  • Thrips

    Thrips are common cannabis pests that damage leaves and flowers by feeding on plant tissue, causing silvering, scarring, and reduced crop quality. They can also spread plant pathogens and rapidly reproduce in protected cultivation environments.

    Biocontrol solutions for thrips in cannabis

    • Anso-Mite – Contains the predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni, which feeds on thrips larvae and helps prevent infestations.
    • Anso-Mite Plus – A preventative sachet solution that continuously releases predatory mites for long-term thrips control.
    • Atheta – A beneficial predatory beetle that targets thrips pupae and other soil-dwelling pests in the growing media.
    • Entomite-M – Predatory mites that feed on thrips pupae in the substrate, helping reduce pest populations early.
    • EntonemBeneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) that target thrips pupae in the growing media for effective biological control.

Other pests

  • Caterpillars

    Caterpillars can cause significant damage in cannabis cultivation by feeding directly on leaves, stems, and buds. Their feeding creates wounds that increase the risk of secondary diseases such as botrytis and bud rot, especially during dense canopy development.

    Caterpillar solutions for cannabis:

  • Whiteflies

    Whiteflies are sap-feeding cannabis pests that weaken plants and leave sticky honeydew residues on leaves and flowers, negatively impacting crop quality and plant health. Heavy infestations can also increase the risk of sooty mold development.

    • En-Strip – Cards containing parasitoids that target whitefly populations preventatively.
    • Enermix – A combination of beneficial parasitoids that helps control multiple whitefly species in cannabis crops.
    • Ercal – Contains the beneficial parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus, which parasitizes whitefly larvae and reduces infestations naturally.
    • Horiver Rollertrap – Sticky roller traps used for whitefly monitoring and mass trapping in cultivation facilities.
    • Horiver Wetstick – Sticky monitoring cards that help detect and reduce adult whitefly populations early.
  • Leaf Miners

    Leaf miners feed within leaf tissue, creating visible tunnels that reduce photosynthetic capacity and impact plant development. Early biological control is important to prevent population buildup in cannabis cultivation.

    Leaf miner solutions for cannabis

    • Anso-MitePredatory mites that help suppress early pest populations and support preventative IPM programs.
    • Anso-Mite Plus – Slow-release sachets that continuously introduce beneficial mites into the crop.
    • Aphidend – Banker plant system that supports ongoing populations of beneficial insects for preventative biological control.
    • Aphipar-M – Parasitoid wasps that help reduce leaf miner populations by targeting developing larvae.
    • Aphipar – Beneficial parasitoids that provide natural, long-term control of leaf miners and other soft-bodied pests.

Resilient Growing

Solutions designed to support stronger, more resilient crops.

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