Cannabis Diseases and Pests

🐛 Common Pests and Diseases in Cannabis and How to Prevent and Treat Them

Introduction

Pests and diseases are among the biggest threats to cannabis plants, reducing quality, yield, and even killing the crop. Knowing common pests, diseases, their symptoms, and effective prevention and treatment is vital for healthy cultivation. This article covers the most common indoor and outdoor pests and diseases and how to manage them.

Common Pests

1. Spider Mites

• Symptoms: Fine webs, yellow or white spots on leaves
• Treatment: Neem oil sprays, biological insecticides, high humidity

2. Mealybugs

• Symptoms: White cottony spots on stems and leaves
• Treatment: Cleaning with alcohol-soaked cotton, organic insecticides

3. Aphids

• Symptoms: Curled, sticky leaves; small green or black insects
• Treatment: Natural insecticides, beneficial insects like ladybugs

4. Leaf Miners

• Symptoms: Irregular trails or holes on leaves
• Treatment: Remove affected leaves, use appropriate insecticides

Common Diseases

1. Gray Mold (Botrytis)

• Symptoms: Gray spots on buds and leaves, rot
• Prevention: Proper ventilation, humidity control, fungicides

2. Root Rot

• Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, root decay, bad soil odor
• Treatment: Proper drainage, reduced watering, beneficial fungi (e.g., Trichoderma)

3. Powdery Mildew

• Symptoms: White powdery spots on leaves
• Treatment: Baking soda spray, fungicides, ventilation

General Prevention Tips

• Use healthy, sterile soil and seeds
• Maintain proper humidity and temperature ranges
• Ensure good airflow and ventilation indoors
• Inspect plants regularly for early pest detection
• Use beneficial insects and organic pesticides
• Practice good hygiene and avoid cross-contamination

Conclusion

Dealing with pests and diseases requires knowledge, constant care, and preventative actions. Timely identification and the right use of organic and chemical controls ensure cannabis health and maximum yields.