Solutions to common cannabis cultivation challenges

Cultivators can improve output, quality and profitability while supporting the sustainability and prosperity of the cannabis industry by implementing best practices in pest management, environmental control, nutrition management, genetic selection, and harvesting procedures.

- Thomas Walker

The growing of cannabis is a complex dance between nature, art and science. Growers encounter a wide range of challenges that can affect profitability, quality and production from seed to harvest.

Nevertheless, these challenges are surmountable using the appropriate information and methods.

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Infestations of pests and illnesses are among the most enduring problems in the cultivation of cannabis. In addition to diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis that can drastically reduce yields, pests like fungus gnats, aphids and spider mites may wreak havoc on crops.

Prevention: Vigilance must be maintained, and strict quarantine regulations for newly acquired plant material should also be followed in order to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases into the cultivation facility.

Monitoring: Before indications of a disease or pest infestation worsen, visual inspections, sticky traps, and microscopic analysis of plant tissue can assist in detecting them. Avoid conditions that are favourable to the growth of pests and diseases by keeping an eye on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and CO2 levels.