Powdery mildew is the most common disease of greenhouse hemp. Most hemp grown for cannabinoid production is propagated by cuttings or started from feminized seed in greenhouses and then moved outdoors.
Powdery mildew can become a limiting factor in these propagation systems. Silicon has been documented to decrease a number of plant diseases on other crops, including powdery mildew. This research examined the potential of root-applied silicon to suppress powdery mildew development on hemp under greenhouse conditions. At 6 weeks after transplant, treatments with root-applied silicon resulted in greater than 80% reduction of disease severity.
Results confirmed that silicon can be useful for the integrated management of powdery mildew.
This new research report provides details of the study and recommendations for using root-applied silicon to suppress powdery mildew in greenhouse hemp production.
Plant Pathology Research Reports (PPRR) is a new series of publications in which current research is being made available to growers and stakeholders.
Using Silicon to Suppress Hemp Powdery Mildew (PPRR-02) is available online at plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/pprr-02.pdf.
For additional publications on hemp diseases, visit the UK Plant Pathology Extension Publications webpage plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops