CBD Seed Labs Integrated Pest Management Guide

Key Aspects: 

• Scout fields daily for pest damage and outbreaks 

• Identify pest or pathogen and treat accordingly 

• Isolate or remove contaminated areas 

• Be sure to remove all pests/pathogens before 

• harvesting crop 

CANNABIS APHIDS 

Description 

• Small insect but still visible by eye, with piercing-sucking mouths 

• Cream colored or light green 

• Can be winged or non-winged 

Damage 

• Sucks out plant sap, leading to discolored foliage and suppressed growth 

• Secreted sap results in sooty mold

Management 

• Remove infestation carefully by hand and place in bucket (try not to spread to other plants) 

• Colonies can be found on the undersides of leaves 

• Look for glossy shine on top of leaves, this is their secreted sap and indicates an infestation 

• Be on lookout for ants, as they are attracted to the sugary secretion

CATERPILLARS

Description 

• Green, brown, or red caterpillars with black lines on backside 

• Are seasonal migrants, from June – August 

Damage 

• Larvae are implanted deep within the flower 

• Once hatched the earworm will feed on the bud and leave droppings 

• These droppings will rot the bud and spread botrytis 

• Botrytis will further damage your crop and create another problem 

Management

• Remove rotted buds and try to locate the worm 

• Trace droppings to source and eliminate the worm 

• If infestation is mass spread, consider using an insecticide caterpillar killer 

• Reapply as needed

MITES

Description

Hemp Russet Mites-

• tiny white elongated bodies, not visible without magnification 

Two-Spotted Spider Mites-

• slightly larger yellow-green oval bodies with spots 

Damage 

Hemp Russet Mites-

• Causes leaves to curl, discolor, and become brittle 

• Can reduce flower size 

Two-Spotted Spider Mites-

• Causes small white specs on leaves, giving a sandpaper appearance 

• Plants can become covered in webbing significantly compromising plant health 

Management 

• Mites thrive during drought periods and can be spread easily with heavy winds 

• Scout fields thoroughly if crop experiences such conditions 

• Infestation usually occurs around field edges 

• Remove affected area carefully by hand and place in bucket (try not to spread to other plants) 

• Use a safe and organic mitcite (ex. Dr. Zymes) to spray on plants 

• Repeat applications as needed until all living mites and its eggs are eliminated

LEAFHOPPERS 

Description 

• Wedge like insects around 1/2in Can be various colors of green, brown, or gray to multi-colored 

• Adults have wings and fly away when disturbed 

Damage 

• Sucks out plant sap, leading to discolored foliage with yellow/white speckles 

• Suppressed plant growth 

• Injects toxic saliva into plant material 

• Excretes honeydew which can attract ants and leads to fungal pathogens 

Management

• Catch and remove leafhoppers by hand if possible 

• To eliminate larvae, consider using – insecticidal soap, pyrethrum spray, diatomaceous earth, and neem oil 

Pathogens 

STEM AND ROOT ROT

Description 

• Typically the lower part of the stem becomes necrotic and brown 

• More common during early stages of growth cycle 

• Caused by fungal pathogens- Fusarium spp, Pythium spp, and Botrytis 

• Occurs during overwatering and non draining soil

Damage 

• Plant is unhealthy and unable to grow

Management 

• Remove affected plant carefully and avoid spreading pathogens to surrounding plants 

• Avoid overwatering, and maintain well draining soil

BOTRYTIS (GRAY MOLD/ BUD ROT) 

Description 

• Found in soil, dead plants, or injured tissue 

• Occurs during high humidity and limited air flow

Damage 

• Bud and stem become necrotic and dies 

• Spores can easily spread, affecting mass areas 

Management 

• Cut out any bud rot and then spray with a fungicide 

• Repeat applications as needed 

• Spores will tend to pop up and continue spread 

• Vigilantly scan crop and address immediately and effectively 

• Increase airflow and avoid planting too close together

POWDERY MILDEW 

Description 

• White fungus on top of leaves 

• Develops during high humidity and low air circulation 

Damage 

• Reduces plant growth and bud quality

Management 

• Remove and destroy affected areas