Defending Against Botrytis

Cannabis Enemy Number One 

One of the biggest concerns cannabis growers have is botrytis, or gray mold. Just as your buds are approaching harvest, you notice the small leaves of the kolas are starting to wither and discolor and there’s a moldy fluff in the buds and bud sites. Botrytis is brought about by unfavorable environmental conditions, such as too much moisture, high humidity, crowding, bad air circulation and sloppy pruning practices. Making sure you avoid all of these conditions and giving your plants essential macro, micro and supplemental nutrients may help you avoid Botrytis.

A Preventative Feeding Regimen

One of the best ways to ensure your plants are truly set up to thrive is to adhere to a preventative grow regimen using nutrients that promote healthier, more stress tolerant and disease resistant plants. Potassium Phosphite and Salicylic Acid work much like asprin, helping to activate your plant’s natural defense system to fight stress, increase the plants metabolism and stimulate root development and plant vigor for a healthier stand of crops. It’s all about prevention. 

Potassium Phosphite 

Potassium Phosphite has the unique property of increasing resistance against environmental stressors by boosting the rate and intensity of existing plant defense systems. This long 9 link chain molecule trans-locates systemically within the plant and, whether applied as a foliar or to the plant’s rootzone, will move throughout the plant. Additionally, the Potassium will help to enhance the strength of the plant’s cell walls by activating multiple enzymes involved in plant growth, preventing loss of water and minimizing drought stress.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid, or SA, is a well-recognized Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) activator. SA is an effective precursor molecule that builds resistance against abiotic and biotic stress in plants. It is involved in signaling defenses against microbial pathogens and is an effective SAR inducer. Including Salicylic Acid in your feeding regimen may significantly provide for a more fortified immune system with innately better resistance, which can enhance plant productivity and greater yields.

Conclusion

Pathogens, like Botrytis, are opportunists. But a sound defense makes for the best offense, and by incorporating preventive nutrients such as Potassium Phosphite and Salicylic Acid into your plant’s feeding regimen, you will not only give your plants the best chance to reach their maximum potential, but it may prove to be a very sound insurance strategy. After all, there is no cost greater than the loss of one’s crop.