Whether you are growing CBD, CBG, CBDV, THC, or THCV seeds - the list of common insect pests is the same. With virtually all of these, preventatives are the best measure so do your research before planting your cop. Starting clean with seeds in a clean greenhouse is the ultimate start - but if you choose to grow clones make sure they are bug free before you bring them in. Quarantining newly acquired plants and treating is always advised.
- Aphids - Cream, clear, to light green-colored insects that are visible to the eye, but small. Infestations can slow plant growth and cause wilting and leaves to yellow. This pest is generally the most common indoors, but large populations can also hit outside - generally accompanied by ants who feed off their nectar. Once populations are established they are difficult to get rid of permanently.
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Broad Mites - Tiny and destructive, another mite that can only be seen using a scope. Damage can be seen in twisted and drooping new growth along with leaves that look blistered or wet.
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Caterpillars - The most common and destructive is the Corn Earworm. The caterpillars proliferate during the late summer and burrow into ripening flowers. Their damage to plant tissue and feces invites botrytis, and flowers rot from the inside out. Eggs can be spotted on and around plants before they hatch. Flowers can be treated with bacterial sprays that kill caterpillars. Photo below is a damaged flower rotting.
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Hemp Russet Mites - An incredibly destructive pest invisible to the naked eye and found both indoors and out. Common signs are 'canoeing' on the leaves as well as crispy tips on foliage. Damage can be mistaken for nutrient burn. When left uncheck populations can explode rapidly - and they are extremely damaging to flowering plants. The mites consume the insides of flowers and can lead to rot. Preventatives work best along with careful leaf inspection throughout the season - but you must use a microscope. Commonly spread by clones. There are treatments available but not all work well. Sulphur is a common deterrent.
- Spider Mites - A common indoor and greenhouse pest, these small but visible insects are closely related to spiders and look the part. They can be tan, green, or red and identifiable by two spots on their backs. Damage appears as very small white speckling on leaves. Large populations can cover plants with webbing. Preventative treatments are best.
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Symphylans - These root eaters are notably difficult to control if they are present in your outdoor fields or plots. In large fields, damage can be visible by rings of slower growing, sickly looking plants. To check for symphylans, excavate soil from around your plants and put it into a 5 gallon bucket. Fill the bucket with water and symphylans will float to the surface. They are clear/white and look like a centipede. Many growers choose to abandon areas with infested soils.
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Thrips - These small but visible insects suck the life out of leaves. Damage is visible by shiny white/silver/bronze leaf scaring. They are most damaging to indoor producers and particularly on young plants. Thrips are treatable.
