The study helped to identify and support the presence of potassium pathogens in developing cannabis plants in Connecticut.
Cannabis has become an integral part of the Connecticut economy. With the recent legalization of adult recreational marijuana use, it is only expected that it will continue to grow.
This means that the cannabis plants themselves, literally, grow and need to be tested.
PhD candidate Cora S. McGregie and associate professor of horticulture, Rosa E. Raddale, College of Veterinary, Health and Natural Resources, studied the presence of pathogens in cannabis in Connecticut in document agronomy. This was the first document showing the presence of these pathogens in developing cannabis plants in Connecticut.
All kinds of plants, including cannabis, suffer from a variety of pathogens. As a result, McGregor and Rudles accidentally stumbled upon this study. McGehee’s research focuses on the interaction of plant-microbes with hydroponic lettuce in connection with root diseases caused by pathogenic potassium. But her training and herbal pathology put Rudles in a unique position to address similar concerns in the new and high potential crop.
“It is inevitable with all the cannabis production around us,” says McGehee.
At a Connecticut institute, you were invited to a site visit to evaluate the overall health of some cannabis plants. However, during their visit, the researchers quickly realized that some plants are a sign of decay, disease, and growth retardation.
From then on, the researchers were curious when they tried to infect these plants.
The researchers conducted a series of analyzes and experiments on coconut and ground rock substrate samples. They took samples from seedlings and mature plants.
First, they looked at the theological characteristics of creatures derived from soilless soils. By looking at the size and shape of sex and sexual structures under a microscope, the researchers were able to identify the species.
From there, DNA separated the genes, highlighted specific genes for the genes, and exported modified products to Lele University and aerophysics genome LL laboratories, allowing McGehee and Raudales to match their genetic sequences to other researchers’ national databases. Procedures to verify their identity.
The researchers identified one Fusarium oxypome, three Globesporangium E-irregular and 21 potassium myriotylum isolates. In addition to being the most common pathogen in the specimens, potassium myriotylum isolation was also a very serious, or harmful, pathogen.
“Once it is contaminated, it is very difficult to regenerate and use it for profit,” says McGregor. “He’s very smart.”
The couple then conducted hepatitis B tests in the laboratory and in the greenhouse. They set up hundreds of hemp plants in UConn’s Plant Science Research Greenhouse and deliberately contaminated them with pathogens.
After carefully observing these plants, the researchers found that all species and varieties were cannabis-based pathogens.
Identifying serious pathogens provides important information to cannabis growers. By identifying which pathogens are “like” cannabis plants, farmers can develop more effective defense against these pathogens.
Pythium, for example, grows in wet areas. This means that farmers must ensure that their crops do not overflow.
These pathogens are also easily spread, which means that farmers must remove infected plants and debris as soon as possible so that pathogens do not contaminate other crops.
The study found that the active ingredient in the chemical fungi used to smoke pathogens, phytonutrients, was also exposed to mefinox. However, this chemical is not intended for use in cannabis crops.
Farmers can monitor water use, pH and soluble salt levels, and use other methods to reduce the impact of these pathogens, clean them, and use biological fungicides.
“It is important that farmers begin to associate these diseases with the pathogens that cause them,” says McGehee. “I think that supports management strategies and prevents epidemics in their disease.”
Learn more about CAHNR cannabis programs. Follow UConn CAHNR on social media
.