Mold can affect cannabis plants at every stage of growth, from seedling through harvest. If you spot signs of mold such as mushy buds or dusty white coating, take immediate steps.
Mold spreads by emitting airborne spores that disperse through the atmosphere. Even without powerful wind currents, these spores may travel long distances.
1. Look for Trichomes
If you notice white powdery substances on the cannabis flowers or buds, it could be a telltale sign of powdery mildew fungus which will continue to spread unless treated immediately. Failure to do so could compromise their quality significantly and compromise future harvests.
Fungi are easily identified by the color of their mold. Light brown mold with a white halo is botrytis and emits an unpleasant rotten scent – usually caused by moisture build-up or poor airflow in your grow space.
Botrytis can be avoided through specific sprays or commercial fungicides; to ward off future growth of fungus using Mycostop’s Streptomyces griseoviridis strain which inhibits pathological fungi; you can apply this preventative treatment prior to flowering or add it directly into hydroponic water tanks.
2. Look for Fluff
If you notice white, powdery patches on your cannabis plants or buds, it could be powdery mildew – an extremely common mold which spreads rapidly if left untreated.
To prevent mold growth on marijuana plants, the best way to combat it is to ensure their temperatures and humidity levels remain within normal parameters. This will lessen the chance of mold spores settling on them and increase chances of successful cultivation.
One key step to keep fungus at bay when growing cannabis is using a specially designed fungicide that’s been developed specifically for your plants. Hydroponic growers can add this directly into their water source. Furthermore, increasing airflow and ventilation in your grow space will help decrease humidity in your space, and dry out plants more quickly which reduces chances of fungus infection.
3. Look for Black Spores
One spot of mildew may not seem like much, but its spores can quickly infiltrate an entire plant, disrupting yield and stopping production altogether. Furthermore, these spores could potentially be inhaled by cannabis users with allergies to mold or respiratory conditions like asthma.
An outbreak can deplete essential oils needed to give marijuana its distinctive taste and aroma, diminishing potency while creating unpleasant side effects in those who smoke or consume the product, such as coughing sensations or skin rashes.
There are commercial fungicides specifically tailored for cannabis available on the market or you can take a DIY approach using hydrogen peroxide in a diluted solution, applying with a Q-tip dabbing without harming trichomes or killing mildew or fungus. Rinsing with pure water regularly after using hydrogen peroxide will prevent mildew recurrence or spread.
4. Look for White Spores
If your marijuana plant appears to be beginning to rot, chances are it has contracted one of the most prevalent cannabis molds: Botrytis. This pathogenic fungus commonly known as grey mold will affect all parts of the plant including roots, stems, leaves and buds; buds will typically become pale-grey or cottony in color with fuzzy white growths appearing across them.
Though it’s impossible to completely prevent spores from developing on your plants, following best practices in your grow room can help. Always maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels in the room and use an ozone generator before using again as this will destroy any leftover spores that might still exist.
Place an insect netting over your crop to prevent sap-sucking insects from penetrating your plants and spreading mold spores; it’s an easy and effective way to minimize your chances of moldy weed.