Professional Marijuana Grower March-April 2018 Issue | Page 34

(Continued from page 30)
each other and create pockets that harbor moisture; a
perfect breeding ground for botrytis.
GROW
NEPTUNE’S HARVEST
34 • Professional Marijuana Grower
Botrytis Treatment
Sections of a cannabis plant that have contracted botry-
tis need to be removed immediately in order to avoid
the pathogen spreading to other sections of the garden.
If possible, bag the infected section of the plant before
cutting it. This is to reduce the possibility of spreading
the spores as the area is disturbed. In fact, all sections
with botrytis should be slowly and carefully removed to
reduce spreading the fungus. Make the cut at least two
to four inches below the infected area so that all of the
botrytis is removed. It is a good idea for indoor and
greenhouse growers who have experienced a botrytis
infection to disassemble the room after the garden cycle
and disinfect everything with a 5-10% bleach solution
or a food-grade hydrogen peroxide solution. This will
kill any remaining viable spores and reduce the chance
of future infections.
Pathogenic Bacteria
Although much less likely than a fungal attack, patho-
genic bacteria can also prevent a marijuana garden
from flourishing. Bacterial blight caused by the bacteria
pseuedomonas syringae is the most common bacterial
related problem for cannabis growers. The symptoms
are similar to those of brown leaf spot fungus. Patho-
genic bacteria infections are almost always misidenti-
fied as a fungus or other pathogen.
Pathogenic Bacteria Prevention
Preventing pathogenic bacteria is a marijuana gar-
dener’s best defense. Sanitizing gardening equipment
March/April 2018