Abstract
Hemp russet mite (HRM, Aculops cannabicola) is one of the most damaging indoor pests of hemp ( Cannabis sativa). In 2021, HRM was identified in hemp research trials at the University of Kentucky. Beginning in September, large numbers of darkened (black/brown), dead HRM were observed on leaves. Fungi resembling Hirsutella thompsonii were isolated from symptomatic HRM. Fungal identity was confirmed by sequencing a fragment of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rDNA. To validate pathogenicity, HRM-infested hemp leaves were inoculated with H. thompsonii. Infection was confirmed by day 8 of the experiment. Twenty-eight percent of the HRM in the inoculated treatment became black/brown by day 14. Considering limited options for management of HRM on indoor hemp production, further research is warranted to improve understanding of the potential use of H. thompsonii as a management tool.
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