Our environment is filled with millions of microorganisms. Many of these are harmless to health, but a minority of them can cause serious problems. Fungal spores, bacteria, and viruses can be deadly to cannabis plants. Understanding the causes of fungal diseases in cannabis plants allows you to take rapid action to fight against them. Following are four common examples of fungal diseases and how to fight them.
Examples of Fungal Diseases
#1. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is an unsightly type of fungus that any one of several types of spores can cause. Growers often notice powdery mildew because its mycelia (the small tendrils of fungi) form white, powder-like spots on plant leaves. Fortunately, powdery mildew can be fought back by easy at-home remedies. Spraying plants with a basic solution, such as baking soda dissolved in water, prevents the proliferation of powdery mildew fungus.
#2. Gray Mold
Gray mold, also known as Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most virulent examples of fungal diseases. This type of mold attacks plants at any time during their lifespan, from the seedling stage through bud harvest. This makes it particularly important for growers to be vigilant about early signs of gray mold. In its early phases, the disease may cause small bumps to appear on leaf surfaces. Soon thereafter, the plants develop a gray or brown colored mold on the stems or leaves.
Gray mold is notoriously difficult to get rid of. The best plan is to prevent its development in the first place. Using an air purification system sucks gray mold spores out of the ambient environment and destroys them, keeping plants safe.
#3. Root Rot
Regarding examples of fungal disease, root rot is relatively difficult to diagnose with great accuracy. Several types of fungus can cause it. In many cases, because roots stay hidden below the surface, it is impossible to detect root rot before it kills the plant. Maintaining appropriate nutrients in the soil, including fertilizing in appropriate amounts, prevents root rot from taking hold.
#4. Hemp Canker
Hemp canker is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This plant disease causes small lesions to form on plant stems and branches. Over time, these lesions gradually become larger, darker, and more dangerous for plants. Reducing humidity can help to prevent the development and spread of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, lowering risk of hemp canker.
Nearly all examples of fungal disease can be best combatted through air purification. A system such as AiroClean420 eliminates fungal spores from the surrounding environment, preventing them from infection plants.
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