CANNABIS CULTURE – A closer look at an emerging pathogen in cannabis cultivation.
Within the agricultural sector, crop loss is often an unavoidable reality, with viruses holding the dubious honor of being the second leading cause of such loss, just after fungi. This threat has recently become pronounced in cannabis propagation, where estimations point to about 50% of North American cannabis plants potentially harboring one or more viruses or viroids. Given these circumstances, cannabis cultivators grapple with significant implications.
These viral infections could bring about diminished plant vitality, lower flower yields, and a decrease in the production of essential compounds like terpenoids and cannabinoids. These compounds are not just vital for the therapeutic and recreational aspects of cannabis, but they also hold substantial economic significance. Consequently, any threat to their production raises valid concerns.
For hemp cultivators nationwide, the task of identifying and managing viral diseases has become increasingly intricate. As the cannabis production landscape broadens and diversifies, it inadvertently becomes a hotbed for the emergence and spread of viral diseases. This scenario amplifies the urgency to develop and implement effective disease identification and management strategies.
As the cannabis industry matures and solidifies its legitimacy, the threat viral diseases pose becomes more pronounced. It is vital for cultivators to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding their crops. Through the use of advanced disease identification techniques and sound management practices, farmers can reduce risks, protect crop health, and ensure the longevity of their cannabis cultivation efforts.
Demystifying the Cannabis Cryptic Virus (CanCV)
Cannabis Cryptic Virus, or CanCV, is a distinct RNA-based virus belonging to the Betapartitivirus genus within the Partitiviridae family. It’s marked by its double-stranded RNA structure. The word "cryptic" in its name highlights this virus’s elusive nature, underlining its intricate behavior within cannabis plants. With its primary hosts being the plant species of the Cannabaceae family,
including cannabis, CanCV presents a significant concern for cultivators, necessitating the deployment of effective detection and management measures.
Unraveling the Symptoms of CanCV
The Cannabis Cryptic Virus (CanCV or CCV) is a fascinating virus, as it does not typically induce apparent symptoms or disease in isolation. However, its coexistence with other fungal or viral pathogens could result in noticeable disease symptoms.
Symptoms associated with Cannabis Cryptic Virus infection in plants may include interveinal yellow streaks, interveinal chlorosis (a yellowing of the tissue between leaf veins), and a wrinkled upward leaf margin. It’s crucial to note that these symptoms may not always be evident during the vegetative stage and could appear asymptomatic or manifest several weeks post-infection. Thus, preventive measures are essential to curtail the pathogen’s spread within cultivars.
CanCV is often detected alongside other viruses, and there’s anecdotal evidence that suggests it may enhance or modify the symptoms caused by coexisting viruses. For example, when Cannabis Cryptic Virus coexists with Hop Latent Virus or Lettuce Chlorosis Virus, it may subtly modify their effects. Yet, the precise mechanisms and interactions between CanCV and other pathogens remain largely elusive.
To inhibit the spread of Cannabis Cryptic Virus, we recommend testing stock plants for pathogens before taking vegetative cuttings. Disinfection of seeds and equipment can help eliminate pathogens as well. Employing real-time PCR testing on Cannabis mother plants prior to taking any cuttings ensures they are virus-free. Regular screening via PCR is pivotal during the vegetative stage to identify and isolate infected plants from the growing area and incoming clones.
Understanding CanCV Transmission
The Cannabis Cryptic Virus (CanCV or CCV) can transmit through multiple routes. Vertical transmission, where the virus spreads from infected seeds to seedlings and subsequently to plants in the next generation, is one such crucial mode of transmission. This means that the pathogen can move from seeds to offspring, potentially leading to the persistence of the virus in subsequent plant generations. To prevent vertical transmission, it is recommended that cannabis cultivators screen their crops for the presence of the virus in seeds before engaging in cross-breeding activities.
Along with vertical transmission through seeds, the Cannabis Cryptic Virus can also spread via other avenues. Infected tools, such as those used for pruning or other cultivation practices, can serve as transmission vectors. Cloning, which involves propagating new plants from cuttings taken from an infected mother plant, is another potential transmission route. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution when handling potentially infected tools and to vigilantly monitor and screen mother plants to prevent virus transmission through cloning.
Additionally, the introduction of diseased plant materials, such as infected cuttings or stock plants, can contribute to the spread of pathogens within indoor growing environments. This underscores the need for impeccable hygiene practices and careful sourcing of plant materials to minimize the risk of pathogen spread.
Conclusion
The Cannabis Cryptic Virus poses a significant challenge for cannabis growers due to its potential
to negatively impact the yield and quality of crops. While CanCV doesn’t typically cause severe
symptoms independently, its behavior is unpredictable and poorly understood. It’s suspected that
its interactions with other pathogens can significantly impact plant health. Therefore, it’s essential
to regularly test and screen crops, and use virus-free seeds to mitigate the spread and adverse
effects of the Cannabis Cryptic Virus on cannabis cultivation.
About MyFloraDNA: Founded in 2019 by plant scientist Dr. Angel Fernandez and Javier Buendia,
MyFloraDNA is a leading agriculture technology company based in Sacramento, California
specializing in plant pathogen detection testing and DNA fingerprinting for cannabis cultivators.
The company is committed to providing cutting edge tools for the budding cannabis and hemp
industries, with a focus on helping our clients to improve financial performance and reduce
operational risks through the use of our ever expanding suite of services.