Introduction:
Hop latent viroid (HpLVd) has emerged as a significant threat to cannabis cultivation, impacting yields and profits for growers. Dr. Zamir Punja, a renowned plant pathology and biotechnology professor at Simon Fraser University, addressed attendees at the 2023 Cannabis Business Times Conference, offering insights into the symptoms, severity, and management of HpLVd. Despite the challenges posed by this double-strand ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, Punja emphasizes that there are effective management strategies and resistant cultivars available to help cultivators mitigate the disease.
Understanding HpLVd: HpLVd is known for its persistence, stability, and the challenges it presents in elimination. Punja
highlighted its ability to survive on various surfaces, spreading easily from mother plants to cuttings, stems to roots, and even through shared irrigation and fertigation lines. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted through water and seeds, making it crucial for growers to comprehend how the disease spreads within their operations.
Symptoms and Impact: The symptoms of HpLVd often manifest during the flowering stage, leading to stunted growth, smaller leaves, reduced internodal spacing, and smaller flowers—commonly referred to as "dudders." Punja notes that the negative effects on yields become evident after harvesting, with infected flowers displaying smaller size, lighter weight, and a lower cannabinoid yield. Trichome development is also stunted, further reducing the potency of the cannabis plants.
Diagnosis and Testing: Punja emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing for identifying HpLVd. Testing multiple parts of the plant using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests at two-week intervals can ensure accurate detection. While bottom leaves may test positive while the top remains unaffected, testing roots has proven to be a reliable indicator of the viroid's presence. If infection is confirmed, Punja recommends destroying the infected plant to prevent further spread. Testing mother plants is crucial, and a 10% to 20% bleach solution has shown effectiveness in sanitizing surfaces and tools due to the stability of HpLVd.
Breeding for Resistance: Punja's research indicates that certain cannabis cultivars exhibit varying susceptibility to HpLVd. He advocates for a strategic approach to breeding, focusing on identifying and developing strains with resistance to the viroid. Growers are encouraged to test their strains regularly to ensure they are free from infection, contributing to the long-t erm goal of eliminating HpLVd through selective breeding.
Conclusion: While HpLVd poses a significant challenge to cannabis cultivation, Dr. Zamir Punja's research provides hope for effective management and prevention. By understanding the symptoms, implementing thorough testing protocols, and prioritizing the breeding of resistant cultivars, growers can work towards minimizing the impact of this persistent viroid on their operations.
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