In the lush landscapes of California’s cannabis farms, an unseen threat lurks, silently endangering the very core of the cannabis industry. Meet Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), a microscopic but potent pathogen that is silently wreaking havoc on cannabis plants, and could potentially cause billions of dollars in damages to the national weed economy.
Present in more than 90% of the state’s cannabis grows,[1] HLVd has emerged as a
global concern for cannabis growers, jeopardizing crops and profits.
The insidious nature of Hop Latent Viroid lies in its ability to remain undetected for weeks and even months. It stealthily attacks cannabis plants in flowering by stunting growth, inhibiting phosphorus uptake, [2] and severely limiting crop yields and potency outcomes of cannabinoids, the plant’s most valuable active compounds, significantly devaluing the crops. As this viroid continues its relentless spread, it is now a prevalent threat not only in California but has spread its reach to cannabis farms worldwide, from Massachusetts to Europe.
For years, growers grappled with the enigmatic “dudding” effect, a mystery ailment that plagued crops during flowering. Unaware of HLVd’s existence, growers were left with diminished yields, compromised plant shapes, and cannabinoid levels slashed by up to 50%. Needless to say, the consequences of this hidden attacker can be financially crippling for the cannabis industry. However, the dawn of a solution is on the horizon, thanks to the relentless efforts of Biocentric Solutions and their pioneering brand of chlorine dioxide, BioDox. Biocentric Solutions has been researching and running tests with BioDox on various agricultural pathogens and pests, among them Hop Latent Viroid, since May of 2021, with surprising—and definitely promising—results.
BioDox offers a beacon of hope by empowering farmers to swiftly treat infected plants without undesired side-effects to people and the environment. This groundbreaking solution enables them to take immediate action to curb the spread of the pathogen.
BioDox, a liquid sterilizer based on Chlorine Dioxide solution, arms growers with the knowledge and means to proactively safeguard their crops, putting them back in control of their fields.
As HLVd threatens to cast a dark shadow over the cannabis industry’s future, Biocentric Solutions offers a beacon of hope with BioDox and their “solving problems, not symptoms” approach. Their commitment to preserving the environment and keeping people safe through innovative, effective solutions is evident in BioDox’s chlorine dioxide-based product.
Hop Latent Viroid poses an unprecedented challenge, necessitating collective action and cutting-edge solutions. With the power of BioDox, the cannabis industry stands a fighting chance against this invisible enemy. Swift detection and integrated pest management, backed by BioDox’s chlorine dioxide prowess, will be critical to safeguarding the industry’s resilience and longevity.
In conclusion, the cannabis industry must act decisively to combat the looming threat of Hop Latent Viroid. Biocentric Solutions, through BioDox, empowers growers to tackle the problem at its roots, literally, preserving not just the crops but the future of the cannabis industry itself.
By embracing BioDox and adopting proactive measures, the cannabis industry can rise above this hidden menace, secure in the knowledge that they are armed with a powerful, environmentally friendly solution to protect their livelihoods. The dawn of a new era in cannabis farming is here, guided by Biocentric Solutions’ ethos.
Speak to an IPM specialist at Biocentric Solutions by calling 800-956-3576
Or visit our website at www.biocentric.solutions
[1] More than 90% of Calif. pot farms infected with ‘severe’ pathogen” by Lester Black, SFGATE May 25, 2023. URL: https://www.sfgate.com/cannabis/article/cannabis-farms-infectious-pathogen-18115205.php
[2] Whitham SA, Yang C, Goodin MM: Global impact: elucidating plant responses to viral infection. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 2006, 19: 1207-1215. Article PubMed CAS Google Scholar
[3] Adkar-Purushothama, Charith Raj, et al. “Hop Latent Viroid: A Hidden Threat to the Cannabis Industry.” Viruses, vol. 15, no. 3, Mar. 2023, p. 681. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.3390/v15030681.
[4] The scientific reason for “dud” Plants — Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) Discovery in Cannabis Jessica Staha Kristen WatermanKayla Hardwick, PhD. Nov 06, 2019. https://phylos.bio/blog/hop-latent-viroid-discovery-in-cannabis.
