Budding Solutions: A Closer Look at Damping-off, Episode 6

Damping off affects cannabis (C. sativa) seeds (pre-emergence damping off) and seedlings (post-emergence damping off). This can result in poor stands and crop losses. Severe disease is most common when cool, wet weather persists at the time of seeding, at seed emergence, or at transplant. Damping off is most commonly caused by soilborne fungi (Rhizoctonia and Fusarium) and water molds (Phytophthora and Pythium).

Dr. Nicole Gauthier, hemp pathologist at the University of Kentucky, describes the causes and effects of damping off in both indoor and outdoor cannabis. Her program focuses on disease management of specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, and hemp. In her Extension role, she develops educational and outreach programs to help growers manage disease through identification, understanding of pathosystems, and integration of management strategies. Dr. Gauthier's research program focuses on a range of hemp diseases, including Fusarium head blight, as well as stand establishment and seedborne transmission. She is co-editor of the new APS Compendium for Cannabis Diseases.

Additional resources can be found on her webpage https://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/ext...

This video series highlights common and important pests and diseases, as well as potential impact and management strategies. Subscribe to this playlist to receive alerts as new episodes are uploaded.