Mold affects cannabis plants, from seedlings, mature plants, to the harvest and this is why a mold infestation should be prevented before it even manifests on marijuana plants.
To successfully cultivate marijuana, growers need to regulate several environmental variables. Most growers depend on fans to decrease heat produced by the grow lights and circulate air. The growth of white spots on plant can be promoted by exposing cannabis plants to the wrong humidity, oxygen, light, and temperature levels.
For marijuana growers, protecting plants from fungi exposure is of utmost importance. The use of fans can help in regulating temperature levels. However, they can also spread mold spores to plants in the indoor marijuana growing environment. By understanding the effects of mold on cannabis production, growers can take all the necessary steps to prevent the spread of mold spores or an infestation.
Mold restricts growth of cannabis seedlings
One of the most devastating effects of white spots on plants occurs during the initial phases of growing hemp plants. Hemp seedlings tend to be prone to damping off, and this can damage a big percentage of the plants before they even get off the ground. Exposure of cannabis plants to gray mold causes damping off.
When seedlings are affected by damping off, they will not have a sturdy and strong stem. Mold on plant will attack the stem and roots, preventing the movement of nutrients throughout the plant. When affected by damping off, the stem will become soft and mushy and the seedlings will droop over.
In the early stages, the signs may look like overwatering. However, the plant stem will have lesions forming all over. Saving the seedling at this point is impossible and this is why when growing hemp, growers need to prevent fungi before it even starts or becomes a big infestation.
Effects on mature plants
Mold can affect mature plants, resulting in diseases of the stems, roots, buds, and leaves. Every type of fungi will trigger a different problem on the marijuana plant. This is why hemp growers should be on the lookout for lesions or white spots on plant. This is because leaf spots or lesions on stems may be an indication of mold exposure. When exposed to mold spores, mature plants usually give off a stale or musty odor.
Effect on cannabis yield
Unfortunately, mold is lethal for marijuana plants. This is especially true for bud rot or gray mold that can destroy the whole crop within a few days. In cases where the plants survive, then the yield will be significantly reduced. Furthermore, mold not only affects plants in the grow room but even beyond. This plant fungus can spread throughout the drying room and spoil your whole harvest.
As you can see, mold can affect marijuana plants regardless of the stage of life they are at. The best way to prevent mold from affecting your plants is by preventing an infestation from occurring in the first place. You must ensure that both your grow room and the drying rooms are protected from the lethal effects of white spots on plant.