Integrated Pest Management Guide
CBD Seed Labs Integrated Pest Management (Plain Text)
Key Aspects
- Scout fields daily for pest damage and outbreaks
- Identify pest or pathogen and treat accordingly
- Isolate or remove contaminated areas
- Remove all pests/pathogens before harvesting crop
Cannabis Aphids
Description
- Small insect with piercing-sucking mouths
- Cream or light green, winged or not
Damage
- Sucks plant sap → discolored foliage, suppressed growth
- Secreted sap results in sooty mold
Management
- Remove by hand, isolate carefully
- Colonies hide under leaves
- Glossy sap on leaves indicates infestation
- Watch for ants attracted to secretion
Caterpillars
Description
- Green, brown, or red with black lines
- Seasonal (June–Aug)
Damage
- Larvae implant in flowers
- Eat buds, leave droppings → rot & botrytis
Management
- Remove rotted buds, find worm
- Trace droppings back
- Use caterpillar-safe insecticide if widespread
Mites
Description
- Russet mites: tiny white elongated (microscope needed)
- Spider mites: larger yellow-green with 2 spots
Damage
- Russet: curled, brittle leaves, smaller flowers
- Spider: white specs, webbing → plant decline
Management
- Scout after drought/winds
- Edge infestations common
- Remove areas, spray safe miticide (e.g. Dr. Zymes)
Leafhoppers
Description
- ½” wedge-shaped, multi-colored, winged
Damage
- Suck sap → yellow/white speckled leaves
- Inject toxins, attract ants/fungi
Management
- Catch/remove by hand
- Use insecticidal soap, neem, or diatomaceous earth
Stem & Root Rot
Description
- Necrotic brown stems, early growth
- Caused by Fusarium, Pythium, Botrytis in wet soil
Damage
- Plants stunted, fail to grow
Management
- Remove plants carefully
- Ensure soil drains, avoid overwatering
Botrytis (Gray Mold / Bud Rot)
Description
- Thrives in humidity, low airflow
- Found in soil, dead tissue
Damage
- Necrotic buds & stems, spores spread widely
Management
- Cut bud rot, spray fungicide
- Increase airflow, space plants
Powdery Mildew
Description
- White fungus on leaf tops
- Develops in humid, stagnant air
Damage
- Reduces plant growth & bud quality
Management
- Remove/destroy infected parts