Edibles represent one of the largest shares of the legal cannabis market. In the first year of legal marijuana sales in Colorado, nearly 5 million cannabis-infused edible products were sold. This number is expected to increase as medical and recreational use of marijuana continues to grow. From a grower’s perspective, the only problem is keeping up with demand while continuing to provide a high quality product. One of the biggest barriers to this is infection with fungal diseases. Engaging in fungal disease prevention on edibles can protect your investment.
The Importance of Fungal Disease Prevention on Edibles
Among all of the plant disease, marijuana plants are most susceptible to fungi and molds. Fungal spores can easily permeate a growing environment, spreading quickly between plants that are growing in close proximity to one another. The presence of fans designed to reduce heat and promote air circulation can actually exacerbate this problem, as spores spread more quickly.
Fungal diseases are particularly problematic during the plant’s growth and flowering cycles. However, fungi can still infect marijuana after it is harvested. Too often, growers neglect to engage in fungal disease prevention on edibles, thinking that their product is safe because it has been harvested. Unfortunately, once fungal disease has taken hold on marijuana meant for edibles, there is no way to get rid of it. The only successful method is to engage in proactive fungal disease prevention on edibles.
The Best Methods for Fungal Disease Prevention on Edibles
One of the best practices for fungal disease prevention on edibles is to keep a very clean harvesting and processing environment. Cross-contamination between plants is a real and serious threat. Before plants are harvested, it is best to maintain some distance between each plant. Overcrowding causes humidity levels to rise, which can encourage the development of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or botrytis. Additionally, fungal spores spread more quickly between plants that are in close proximity to one another. It is also important to maintain low humidity levels by using a hygrometer to keep the ambient humidity within an appropriate range (typically 45% or less).
For the best protection against fungal disease on edibles, it is helpful to clear fungal spores from the air. This is best achieved through an air purification system such as AiroClean420. AiroClean420 is a specialized technological system that captures pathogens such as fungal spores, neutralizing them before they can infect plants. With AiroClean420, the threat of fungal disease is effectively eliminated. Contact AiroClean420 today to learn how we can help prevent fungal disease in your edibles operation.
Ready to Stop Powdery Mildew?
Fill out a simple form to get pricing for AiroClean420.
