Hemp Diseases and Pests

This new edition is a compendium of information on insect pests, fungal and oomycete diseases, virus and mycoplasma diseases, bacteria, nematodes, assorted parasitic plants, and other pests of hemp. It integrates the new wave of Cannabis research and enables the reader to identify and trouble-shoot their pest and disease problems. Both a meticulous review for crop scientists, and a practical guide for growers, this book is a classic in the literature on hemp diseases and pests. Since publication of the first edition in 2000 hemp and cannabis cultivation has continued to expand, accompanied by a rise in the incidence and severity of plant pathogens and pests. This new edition integrates the new wave of cannabis research with historical information previously not available in English. It is a compendium of information on insect pests, fungal and oomycete diseases, virus and mycoplasma diseases, bacteria, nematodes, assorted parasitic plants, and other pests (including mites, molluscs, birds and mammals). Chapters have been grouped into sections, organized by parts of the plant affected - roots, shoots, flowering tops etc. - to make it easier for the reader to identify and troubleshoot pest and disease problems. Each pest organism is described, with ample images of signs and symptoms. The final section provides an extensive overview of methods of controlling pests and disease. Cultural, mechanical and biological control are highlighted, along with biorational chemicals. As before, the focus is on growing a healthy crop using sustainable methods. This comprehensive text is essential reading for researchers in plant pathology, entomology, botany, horticulture, and hemp cultivators and growers. This new edition integrates the new wave of Cannabis research with older information never before translated into English. It is a compendium of information on insect pests, fungal and oomycete diseases, virus and mycoplasma diseases, bacteria, nematodes, assorted parasitic plants, and other pests (including mites, molluscs, birds and mammals). The contents have been grouped into sections, in order to make it easier for the reader to identify and trouble-shoot their pest and disease problems. For example, the section on arthropod pests is divided into chapters depending on which part of the plant is affected, e.g. insects and mites that suck fluids; insects that chew flowering tops; insects that chew stalks and branches; insects that chew leaves; and insects associated with young seedlings and roots. Similarly, the section on diseases contains chapters on flowering top diseases; wilts, blights and root rots; leaf and stalk diseases; damping off diseases; and epiphytes and endophytes. The final section provides an extensive overview of the biological, natural and chemical solutions to the pests and diseases of hemp, with details on products, application methods and dosages. The text is structured to serve both technical and general readers: general information in early chapters provides a conceptual framework for technical information presented later in the book.