Preface
In the ever-evolving world of cannabis cultivation, one of the most pressing challenges growers face is the threat of mold. This article delves deep into the world of cannabis mold, offering insights into its types, causes, and the potential harm it can inflict on the plants and the consumer. The main topics covered include understanding what cannabis mold is, the most common types of mold affecting cannabis plants, and comprehensive strategies to avoid it. The article also emphasizes the importance of genetics in the cultivation process, highlighting mold-resistant cannabis cultivars that promise resilience and unique flavors and effects.
The significance of this article cannot be overstated. Mold, while often overlooked, can be a silent destroyer, compromising the health of the plants and posing serious health risks to consumers. By understanding the conditions that foster mold growth and the preventive measures that can be taken, growers can ensure the safety and quality of their harvest. Moreover, the article underscores the importance of good genetics, showcasing how breeders are innovating to produce strains naturally resistant to mold, ensuring a safer and more fruitful yield.
The authors' expertise, Jorge Cervantes and Dr. Gary Yates, lend immense credibility to the content. With his 40 years of experience, Jorge Cervantes has been a beacon of knowledge in the cannabis cultivation community. His emphasis on understanding the scientific principles and fundamentals of cannabis cultivation and his advocacy for organic growing practices and sustainable cultivation are evident throughout the article. With his solid academic background and multiple peer-reviewed publications covering genetics and plant science, Dr. Gary Yates brings a unique perspective, merging scientific rigor with commercial insights. His dedication to unraveling the therapeutic potential of the cannabis plant and his focus on plant genetics further enrich the article's content. With their extensive backgrounds, both authors have been featured on various platforms, sharing their knowledge and passion for the cannabis industry.
In conclusion, this article is a comprehensive guide for novice and experienced growers, emphasizing the importance of understanding, preventing, and combating mold in cannabis cultivation. With the combined expertise of Jorge Cervantes and Dr. Gary Yates, readers are provided with a wealth of knowledge that promises a safer, more productive cultivation experience.
Article
Hey there, fellow cannabis lovers! Let's talk about a buzzkill that nobody wants to encounter - mold on your plants. Mold isn’t just gross – it’s a potentially dangerous problem that can ruin your high and your flowers fast! So, let's dive right in and explore the bad fungi that attack cannabis. We will talk about how to keep your precious plants and entire garden fungus free.
What is Cannabis Mold?
Let's break it down. Cannabis mold is a fungus that can grow on your beloved plants. It usually appears during vegetative growth and the flowering stage. It's caused by factors like high humidity, poor ventilation, or after harvesting it can result from lousy drying and curing methods. Mold can come in different colors and textures, like gray, white, black, or greenish-blue, and it can have a fuzzy or powdery appearance.
Mold is a serious threat to the health of your plants, but it can also harm you. Mold spores can cause allergies and respiratory problems in any of us but are especially troubling if you have a weak immune system or asthma. So, if you want to enjoy some primo buds, you have to keep them mold-free. There are several types of mold that can affect cannabis plants, but the most common ones are Botrytis Cinerea, Aspergillus, and Powdery Mildew.
Botrytis Cinerea
This disease is commonly known as gray mold and (flower) bud rot. It’s a grayish mold that can quickly spread and destroy entire flower spikes and can spread throughout the entire crop if left unchecked. Gray mold thrives in cool, damp environments and can be difficult to get rid of once it takes hold. Click for prevention and control measures.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a type of mold that can be dangerous to smoke. It can cause respiratory issues, and in some cases, it can even be fatal. Aspergillus grows in warm, humid environments, so it's important to keep your grow room at the right temperature and humidity levels. Check your garden for signs of Aspergillus and prevent this deadly mold.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is a white, powdery mold that can quickly spread throughout your entire plant. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including high humidity, poor air circulation, and overcrowding.
These are the big three of cannabis mold, and you’ll want to avoid them at all costs. How do you do that? Read on for advice.
How to Avoid Cannabis Mold
Now, let's talk about how to dodge the mold bullet. First things first, prevention is key. Here are some tips to keep your plants mold-free:
Humidity check: Cannabis plants grow best in temperatures between 68-77F (20-25C). If your grow room is too hot or too cold, it can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. Similarly, if the humidity levels are too high, it can cause moisture to build up on your plants, which can lead to mold. Keep the humidity levels between 40-60% during the vegetative stage and 40-50% during the flowering stage. Use a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels, and adjust it with a vent fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier if needed. More details on humidity can be found HERE.
Let it flow: Good air circulation is crucial to avoid mold growth. Make sure that your grow room has adequate ventilation and use oscillating fans to circulate the air around your plants and move stale air. This will help to prevent moisture from building up and will keep your garden healthy and happy. You can read more about air circulation HERE.
Light it up: Mold thrives in dark and humid environments, so make sure your plants get enough light to prevent mold growth.
Don't overcrowd: Overcrowding your plants can lead to poor air circulation and can create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Overlapping leaves from crowded plants in a garden create the perfect environment for fungus growth. Make sure that your plants have plenty of room to breathe and that there's enough space between them for air to circulate.
Don't overwater: Too much water can create a breeding ground for mold spores. Avoid soggy oxygen-starved soil. I use the 50 percent rule and a moisture meter/ to check container moisture levels. If growing in soil, water your plants only when the top inch of soil is dry, and make sure the excess water drains properly.
Dry and cure like a pro: Improper drying and curing can create an environment for mold growth. Dry your flowers in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, and use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels. Choose your preferred drying method for small and large harvests here
Curing your flower buds in airtight containers, such as glass jars, can also prevent mold growth. Step-by-step curing will guarantee a sweet smooth mellow cure when consumed.
Check your plants regularly for any signs of mold: The earlier you catch mold, the easier it will be to get rid of. Make sure to inspect your plants regularly for any signs of mold, including discoloration, spots, or a powdery residue. If you do find mold, remove the affected area immediately to prevent it from spreading. Spot mold spores instantly with the help of a ultraviolet (UV) flashlight.
Caption (MJ Ch 24 04 IMG_6759): Wash your hands and keep the garden, including your tools clean to help avoid diseases and pests in your garden.
Keep it clean: I can’t overstate the importance of cleanliness. You must keep your growing area clean at all times and follow good sanitary practices with your equipment. That means picking up dead foliage and removing it as soon as you see it, and it means making sure any stakes, trellises and so on are kept clean, too. It’s also crucial to make sure you clean and sanitize by dipping in alcohol, any tools such as shears and pruning equipment before and after every use. All of these steps are equally important if you’re to win the battle against mold.
Mold-Resistant Cannabis
No matter what you’re looking to achieve in your garden, good genetics should always be at the forefront. Breeders who have encountered mold and seen their yields blighted have taken steps to create cultivars with higher levels of resistance to (mold) pathogens, so it’s reassuring to know that you can get genetics that can decrease that risk.
Breeders carefully select plants that exhibit natural resistance to mold and other fungal infections. This process takes time and patience, as they observe and test plants over multiple generations to determine the best candidates for further breeding.
But that’s not all! These breeders are also exploring new frontiers in genetics by finding the equivalent gene in cannabis from known mold-resistant plants and breeding with high-resistance strains.
5 of the Best Mold-Resistant Cannabis Cultivars
Okay, that’s the nasty stuff out of the way so let's talk about the good stuff - the top 5 mold-resistant cannabis varieties. These beauties not only resist mold but also have unique flavors, aromas, and effects.
Northern Lights Auto
Genetics: Northern Lights x Ruderalis
THC Content: 23%
Flowering Time: 55-60 days from seed to harvest
The feminized version of Northern Lights has a track record of being a pretty good mold-resistant cannabis, but adding in Ruderalis genetics makes it even more resilient. Northern Lights Auto is a classic strain that's easy to grow, has dank buds, and is damn near invincible against mold and pests.
White Widow
Genetics: Brazilian sativa x South Indian indica
THC Content: Capable of over 15-20%
Flowering Time: 8 weeks
This cultivar has some pedigree when it comes to battling mold and disease. Plus, it's hugely resinous, and gives up some huge yields – up to 800 gms/m2 indoors - and beautiful earthy, fruity flavors. White Widow hits hard, so it’s a good pick for an evening smoke.
Hindu Kush
Genetics: Heirloom Landrace
Yield Potential: 350-1000gm/plant
Flowering Time: 49-63 days
Straight from Pakistan’s Tirah Valley, this landrace is a champ at fending off mold and pests. It’s easy to cultivate, and has fast-flowering potential, too. Hindu Kush is a spicy-tasting variety with amazing orange zest and banana qualities to its flavor. A really hardy variety, with a ton of taste and an incredible effect that makes you feel like you’re floating on air.
Strawberry Banana Grape
Genetics: Strawberry x Grape x Banana OG
THC Content: 15-25%
Flowering Time: 60-65 days
This sativa-dominant lady is a hit for its fruity flavors and big yields – up to 500 gms/m2 indoors and up to 800 gms/plant outdoors. It flowers fast, too, taking around 60-65 days. It has a reputation for mold resistance, but some plants will be more resistant than others so phenohunting will help find the most resistant plants. The soothing, cerebral nature of Strawberry Banana Grape is a great way to chill.
Space Panda
Genetics: Oreoz x Oreoz
THC Content: 28%
Flowering Time: 56-60 days
Space Panda is an indica-dominant cannabis with a reputation as a mold-conquering master. It’s a really popular variety by Atlas Seed that grows well in all conditions and gives up big, dense buds. You’ll definitely dig the flavor of Space Panda, especially if you like your bud dank with earthy qualities. Space Panda grows with tremendous vigor and this bad boy produces resin for days.
All of the above have a degree of mold-resistant properties and carry an ease of cultivation. Start with good genetics and pick the right varieties. Keep things clean and dry, and you'll be smoking some primo bud in no time. Stay lifted!
