Cannabis Cultivation Research Articles

An innovative technical hemp harvesting method and a diagram of a multifunctional unit for its implementation

Relevance. Technical (drug-free) hemp is cultivated for seeds, for fiber and for bilateral use (seeds + fiber), so various technologies and technical means are used for its harvesting. Harvesting technologies require the use of specialized high-performance equipment capable of performing several technological operations in one pass. The process is complicated by the height of the plants, reaching an average of 2–3 m by the time of harvest, as well as the structure of the stems, which have a fibrous structure and a woody component. The analysis showed that at present there are no domestic machines capable of harvesting industrial hemp with lint on the vine and maintaining the technical length of the stems. This served as the basis for the development of a new method of harvesting and the scheme of the unit for its implementation.Methods. A wide range of scientific research in the field of cultivation, harvesting and processing of technical cannabis has been used. The principle of compliance of the developed method and scheme of the harvesting unit with the scientific and technical level is applied in terms of the totality of indicators of reliability and quality of the technological process, environmental friendliness and production safety, quick change of working bodies, patent protection.Results. An innovative method of harvesting technical hemp has been developed with the removal of seed panicles at the root and the preservation of the technical length of the stem. A structural-technological scheme of a multifunctional unit for implementing the method based on a domestic combine harvester, aggregated with adapters for collecting the seed part of hemp and cutting the combed stalks is proposed. It is expected that the developed method will increase harvesting productivity up to 30%, threshing quality up to 95% and seed purity up to 50%, improve the quality of hemp trusts to one variety number, obtain primary cleaned seeds, as well as hemp weed for the production of long hemp fiber and bonfires.

A Guide to Cannabis Virology: From the Virome Investigation to the Development of Viral Biotechnological Tools

Cannabis sativa cultivation is experiencing a period of renewed interest due to the new opportunities for its use in different sectors including food, techno-industrial, construction, pharmaceutical and medical, cosmetics, and textiles. Moreover, its properties as a carbon sequestrator and soil improver make it suitable for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation strategies. The increase in cannabis cultivation is generating conditions for the spread of new pathogens. While cannabis fungal and bacterial diseases are better known and characterized, viral infections have historically been less investigated. Many viral infection reports on cannabis have recently been released, highlighting the increasing threat and spread of known and unknown viruses. However, the available information on these pathogens is still incomplete and fragmentary, and it is therefore useful to organize it into a single structured document to provide guidance to growers, breeders, and academic researchers. This review aims to present the historical excursus of cannabis virology, from the pioneering descriptions of virus-like symptoms in the 1940s/50s to the most recent high-throughput sequencing reports. Each of these viruses detected in cannabis will be categorized with an increasing degree of threat according to its potential risk to the crop. Lastly, the development of viral vectors for functional genetics studies will be described, revealing how cannabis virology is evolving not only for the characterization of its virome but also for the development of biotechnological tools for the genetic improvement of this crop.

Is Twelve Hours Really the Optimum Photoperiod for Promoting Flowering in Indoor-Grown Cultivars of Cannabis sativa?

Cannabis sativa ("cannabis" hereafter) is a valuable recent addition to Canada's economy with the legalization for recreational use in 2018. The vast majority of indoor cannabis cultivators use a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod to promote flowering. To test the hypothesis that robust flowering initiation responses can be promoted in indoor-grown cannabis cultivars under longer photoperiods, clones of ten drug-type cannabis cultivars were grown under six photoperiod treatments. All treatments were based on a standard 24-h day and included 12 h, 12.5 h, 13 h, 13.5 h, 14 h, and 15 h of light. The plants were grown in a growth chamber for 3 to 4 weeks, receiving an approximate light intensity of 360 µmol·m-2·s-1 from white LEDs. Flowering initiation, defined as the appearance of ≥3 pairs of stigmas at the apex of the primary shoot, occurred in all cultivars under all photoperiod treatments up to 14 h. Delays in flowering initiation time under 14 h vs. 12 h ranged from no delay to approximately 4 days, depending on the cultivar. Some cultivars also initiated flowering under 15 h, but floral tissues did not further develop beyond the initiation phase. Harvest metrics of some cultivars responded quadratically with increasing photoperiod, with ideal levels of key flowering parameters varying between 12 h and 13 h. These results suggest there is potential to increase yield in some indoor-grown cannabis cultivars by using longer than 12-h photoperiods during the flowering stage of production. This is attributed to the inherently higher daily light integrals. Indoor cannabis growers should investigate the photoperiod responses of their individual cultivars to determine the optimal photoperiod for producing floral biomass.

"The Box Has Become an Indispensable Part of My Life": A Case Study of Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club and its Consumption Space.

Community-based models of cannabis cultivation, distribution, and consumption-such as cannabis clubs-have been documented across Europe, North America, South America, and New Zealand since the 1990s. For the most part, these models have a history of operating outside existing legislation and regulations. Jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis have approached community-based models in opposite ways (eliminate vs. regulate). Canada legalizing cannabis has resulted in more stringent enforcement and concerted efforts to close these models despite documented health and social benefits. This paper presents a case study of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC) and its consumption space-The Box. We conducted a survey of VCBC members to explore four domains: demographics, cannabis consumption, access to and use of The Box, and the impact of its temporary closure due to COVID-19. From the survey data (n = 104), descriptive statistics were generated and three conceptual avenues were identified. The majority of respondents were 40 years old and older and identified as White (European descent) cisgendered men and women. The majority reported an income of $40,000 or less and a housing status that prevented them from smoking. Close to 75% of our sample consumed cannabis multidaily for therapeutic purposes primarily, but also for a mix of recreation, social, spiritual, and traditional healing purposes. Smoking was the preferred mode of consumption. Respondents accessed The Box daily or weekly. Reasons and benefits for using The Box fell into three categories: public health, harm reduction, and wellness perspectives. Conceptually, we found that The Box acted as a therapeutic space and offered a much-needed consumption space for smokers. We also identified a need to unpack the concept of safety. Overall, the survey reinforces the need for an equity-informed approach to community-based models and cannabis consumption spaces in Canada.

The Development of a Web Application for Tracking Medical Cannabis Products

This research aims to develop a web application for tracking medical cannabis product information, designed and developed according to the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process. The study was conducted in the province of Buriram, Thailand, and the sample group was selected through purposive sampling, consisting of 30 individuals from Play La Ploen Community Enterprise, representing cannabis cultivators and medical cannabis product processors. Data was collected through in-depth interviews to gather database design and system development requirements. The tools used for system development were PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, Visual Studio Code, and XAMPP, with MySQL used as the database management system. The effectiveness of the information system was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire developed based on the PIECES framework. The research findings indicate that the medical cannabis product tracking system is functional, as users are able to scan the QR code on the packaging to obtain comprehensive and complete information about the product.

Cannabis: a multifaceted plant with endless potentials.

Cannabis sativa, also known as "hemp" or "weed," is a versatile plant with various uses in medicine, agriculture, food, and cosmetics. This review attempts to evaluate the available literature on the ecology, chemical composition, phytochemistry, pharmacology, traditional uses, industrial uses, and toxicology of Cannabis sativa. So far, 566 chemical compounds have been isolated from Cannabis, including 125 cannabinoids and 198 non-cannabinoids. The psychoactive and physiologically active part of the plant is a cannabinoid, mostly found in the flowers, but also present in smaller amounts in the leaves, stems, and seeds. Of all phytochemicals, terpenes form the largest composition in the plant. Pharmacological evidence reveals that the plants contain cannabinoids which exhibit potential as antioxidants, antibacterial agents, anticancer agents, and anti-inflammatory agents. Furthermore, the compounds in the plants have reported applications in the food and cosmetic industries. Significantly, Cannabis cultivation has a minimal negative impact on the environment in terms of cultivation. Most of the studies focused on the chemical make-up, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects, but not much is known about the toxic effects. Overall, the Cannabis plant has enormous potential for biological and industrial uses, as well as traditional and other medicinal uses. However, further research is necessary to fully understand and explore the uses and beneficial properties of Cannabis sativa.

Alternative Rooting Methods for Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation in Denmark-Preliminary Results.

Cannabis sativa L. is typically propagated through micropropagation or vegetative cuttings, but the use of root-inducing hormones, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), is not allowed for growing medicinal cannabis in Denmark. This study examined alternative rooting treatments, including Rhizobium rhizogenes inoculation, water-only as well as IBA treatments, in eight cannabis cultivars. PCR on root tissue suggested that 19% of R. rhizogenes-inoculated cuttings were transformed. These were derived from "Herijuana", "Wild Thailand", "Motherlode Kush", and "Bruce Banner", indicating a variation in cultivar susceptibility toward R. rhizogenes. A 100% rooting success was achieved regardless of cultivar and treatment, suggesting that alternative rooting agents are not required for efficient vegetative propagation. However, rooted cuttings differed in shoot morphology with improved shoot growth in cuttings treated with R. rhizogenes (195 ± 7 mm) or water (185 ± 7 mm) while inhibited shoot growth under IBA treatment (123 ± 6 mm). This could have advantageous economic implications should cuttings not treated with hormone reach maturity faster than those exposed to the hormone, thereby contributing to completing a full growing cycle more effectively. IBA exposure increased root length, root dry weight, and root/shoot dry weight ratio compared to cuttings treated with R. rhizogenes or water but simultaneously inhibited shoot growth compared to these.

Experiences of structural violence and wage theft among immigrant workers in the California cannabis industry

The multibillion-dollar California cannabis (Cannabis sativa, marijuana) industry employs an unknown number of seasonal workers, including many immigrants. Most production occurs in the remote, rural, far-northern counties where farms may be hours by vehicle from the nearest town. While licenses for cannabis cultivation became available following legalization in California for adult recreational use in 2016, most cannabis—about 80%—is still grown on unlicensed farms. Cannabis is a labor-intensive crop, and the skilled and time-consuming task of hand-trimming flow­ers is the most common seasonal job in the indus­try. Some immigrant workers return for multiple cannabis harvest seasons and are attracted to the work by an interest in the cannabis culture and consumption or the opportunity to earn enough money in several months to live the rest of the year in their home country. Others are farmworkers moving from work in traditional crops for the rela­tively higher pay in the cannabis industry. Seasonal cannabis workers are exposed to many of the phys­ical hazards found in all agricultural workplaces, like dust, pesticides, and injuries; another common­ality with California’s traditional agricultural work­force is vulnerability to structural violence stem­ming from factors related to race, gender, immigra­tion status, and employer/employee power imbal­ance. Cannabis workers are also uniquely affected by the intersections of these structural fac­tors with the isolated and remote nature of canna­bis farms and the ongoing criminalization of the industry. In this article we present the results of a qualitative study of the occupational health and safety of Mexican and South American immigrant seasonal cannabis workers who have previous can­nabis-industry-specific skills and experience. Work­ers were recruited using a peer-recruitment method, with 25 participants in three online focus group discussions on a range of occupational health and safety topics. This qualitative descriptive analysis is focused on experiences of structural vio­lence and wage theft.

The role of cannabis (Cannabis sativa) cultivation growth as a driving force in land use and cover change (LUCC) in the upstream part of the Laou river catchment area (Northern Morocco)

The population of the Rif mountains in Morocco depends mainly on the cultivation of cannabis for its livelihood. This study shows the role played by such cultivation in landscape changes in the upstream part of the Laou river catchment area between 1985 and 2019. The analysis was developed using Landsat data. The results indicate that cannabis cultivation has contributed to accelerating the process of LUCC, given that most types of forests were largely transformed to cultivated areas. The increasing pressure on agricultural land, especially after agricultural innovations and the culture of new cannabis hybrids, has had serious consequences on the environment, economy and society. This has been demonstrated in the intensive exploitation of water, and as a result several areas are now denied access to drinking and irrigation water. To reduce the harm of these transformations, diversified and sustainable agricultural practices must be restored to their previous state.

Ultraviolet radiation exposure in cannabis-growing facilities

Cannabis cultivation and processing is becoming an important industry in the United States and Canada. The industry employs over 400,000 workers in the United States and is growing rapidly. Both natural sunlight and artificial lamp-generated radiation are commonly used to grow cannabis plants. These optical sources can contain both visible and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) wavelengths, and overexposure to UVR is associated with negative health effects. The severity of these adverse health effects is governed by the specific wavelengths and exposed dose of UVR, yet worker exposure to UVR within cannabis-growing facilities has not been studied. In this study, worker exposure to UVR was assessed at five cannabis production facilities in Washington State, including indoor, outdoor, and shade house facilities. Lamp emission testing was performed at each facility and worker UVR exposures were measured for 87 work shifts. Observations of worker activities and use of personal protective equipment in association with UVR exposure measurements were recorded. For lamp emission measurements, at 3 feet from the center of the lamp, the average irradiances were 4.09 × 10−4, 6.95 × 10−8, 6.76 × 10−9, 3.96 × 10−9, and 1.98 × 10−9 effective W/cm2 for germicidal lamps, metal halide lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, fluorescent lamps, and light emitting diodes, respectively. The average measured UVR exposure was 2.91 × 10−3 effective J/cm2 (range: 1.54 × 10−6, 1.57 × 10−2 effective J/cm2). Thirty percent of the work shifts monitored exceeded the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) threshold limit value (TLV®) of 0.003 effective J/cm2. Exposures were highest for workers who spent all or part of the work shift outdoors, and solar radiation was the primary source of worker UVR exposure for most of the work shifts that exceeded the TLVs. Outdoor workers can reduce UVR exposure by applying sunscreen and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Although the artificial lighting used in the cannabis production facilities included in this study did not contribute substantially to the measured UV exposures, in many cases the lamp emissions would generate theoretical exposures at 3 feet from the center of the lamp that would exceed the TLV. Therefore, employers should choose low UVR emitting lamps for indoor grow operations and should use engineering controls (e.g., door-interlocks to de-energize lamps) to prevent worker exposure to UVR from germicidal lamps.

Moral Networks: A Sociological Study on Illicit Self-Cultivation of Cannabis for Psychoactive use in Brazil

The use of psychoactive drugs is a social practice commonly observed in all societies. This article aims to present the moral grammar of actors who grow marijuana for their own use in Brazil. This study employed a qualitative methodology based on direct observation and semi-structured interviews. Regarding research ethics, all institutional principles were considered, like obtaining informed consent and guaranteeing the privacy of participants and the confidentiality of information. We found that these actors establish a sui generis morality through their practices. From this perspective, it can be conjectured that this network of actors who grow their own marijuana configures a specific moral grammar through the language devices they mobilize in response to the judgments, criticisms and moral accusations they face, whether formal or informal. Moreover, through the interviews, it was possible to verify how the relations of mutual assistance in this moral network of actors who grow their own marijuana are shaped by the actions, interactions, associations and moral aggregations among them. In this way, the relations of reciprocity and cooperation among these moral actors configure a kind of solidarity specific to this network. Therefore, the home cultivation of marijuana is analyzed as a legitimate moral feeling of liberation in relation to the formal and informal repressions faced by these actors.

Maximizing medical cannabis growth and quality: An evaluation of the effects of ecological water regeneration in greenhouse cultivation

The use of medical cannabis for therapeutic treatment of various medical conditions has gained popularity due to its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and sleep-improving properties. In greenhouse and closed buildings cultivation, optimizing water and nutrient management is essential for achieving maximum yield and quality. Water quality used for irrigation is critical for cannabis plant growth and yield, as it affects mineral uptake. This study assesses the impact of an ecological water regenerator system, based on physical and electromagnetic principles, on the growth and quality of medical cannabis cultivated in a greenhouse. These techniques restore water quality to its optimal state, promoting optimal hydration and nutrition of medical cannabis plants. The results show that using the ecological water regenerator system significantly enhances mineral uptake and growth stimulation, improving water and nutrient management and enabling the supply of an optimal amount of water and nutrients to the plants. Consequently, this approach promotes vigorous and productive growth, indicating that incorporating an ecological water regenerator is an effective approach for optimizing and enhancing medicinal cannabis cultivation. Compared to bulk water, using regenerated water significantly improves cannabis plant growth, flower biomass, and THC levels while reducing water and fertilizer usage. This innovative system can achieve new standards of quality and performance in the sustainable cultivation of medical cannabis.

Research Progress on Cannabinoids in Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) in China.

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is an ancient cultivated plant that contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is widely utilized at home and abroad and is an economic crop with great development and utilization value. There are 31 countries legalizing industrial cannabis cultivation. Cannabis fiber has been used for textile production in China for 6000 years. China is the largest producer and exporter of cannabis. China may still play a leading role in the production of cannabis fiber. China has a long history of cannabis cultivation and rich germplasm resources. Yunnan, Heilongjiang, and Jilin are three Chinese provinces where industrial cannabis can be grown legally. Cannabinoids are terpenoid phenolic compounds produced during the growth, and which development of cannabis and are found in the glandular hairs of female flowers at anthesis. They are the active chemical components in the cannabis plant and the main components of cannabis that exert pharmacological activity. At the same time, research in China on the use of cannabis in the food industry has shown that industrial cannabis oil contains 13-20% oleic acid, 40-60% omega-6 linoleic acid, and 15-30% omega-3 α-linolenic acid. At present, more than 100 cannabinoids have been identified and analyzed in China, among which phenolic compounds are the main research objects. For instance, phenolic substances represented by cannabidiol (CBD) have rich pharmacological effects. There are still relatively little research on cannabinoids, and a comprehensive introduction to research progress in this area is needed. This paper reviews domestic and foreign research progress on cannabinoids in cannabis sativa, which is expected to support cannabis-related research and development.

Shredding Roller Effect on the Cannabis sativa L. Residues and Environment

Fiber cannabis has been grown in Lithuania for a long time, but its cultivation technologies have not been widely studied. However, the growing population and consumption forces us to look to alternatives and to make efforts and find solutions to facilitate the cultivation of fiber cannabis because the use of fiber cannabis can be for many different types of products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the interaction of fibrous cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) residue and soil on the mechanical properties of the residue and the environment in cultivation technology using a shredding roller. The study determined the effect of the shredding roller on the moisture content of cannabis residues, lignin content, visual changes, and mechanical characteristics of breaking and cutting. Examining cannabis residues according to the dominant different diameters of 5-, 8-, and 10-mm organic cannabis residues, it was found that the highest efficiency of the shredding roller is when rolling 5 mm diameter cannabis residue stems. The efficiency of the shredding roller for reducing the mechanical characteristics of cannabis residues and the need for shredding force was up to 20.78%. The results obtained are significant if the cannabis crop used with the shredding roller is organic, as the smallest diameter plant residues would be the most abundant. Studies have concluded that the moisture content of cannabis residues, the visual changes, and the need for crushing force prove the efficiency of the shredding roller, and the cannabis cultivation technology influences the decomposition of cannabis residues.

Cannabis as Medicine

The use of cannabis for medical purposes has been a subject for discussion for so many years. Cannabis as a source of medical treatment first came to light in the 19th century. However, origins of cultivation of marijuana as a medical plant can be traced back to thousands of years. Attempts to completely legalize the use of cannabis for medical purposes are strongly contested in many places due to some of its negative effects on users physically, psychologically, and socially. This review is aimed to discuss the mechanism of action and pharmacogenetics of cannabinoids to elucidate its uses as medicine as well as negative effects. Online searches on the following database: Google Scholar, PubMed, Biomed Central, and SciELO were done. An attempt was made to review articles with keywords such as cannabis, cannabinoid receptors, genes, and medical marijuana. This review has highlighted with evidence the importance of genomic profiling to prevent side effects associated with predisposing genes for the benefit of patients who are medical candidates for medicinal cannabis use. Medical profiling via cannabinoid gene expression studies of patients who are medical candidates of cannabis could prevent the negative effects associated with its use.

Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Agronomy and Utilization: A Review

Currently, there are increased interests in growing grain and fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as well as in large-scale hemp products. Cannabis has been grown/utilized for thousands of years as a fiber, grain, and drug/medicinal plant. However, the strict control of cannabis cultivation to combat illegal use, the spread of new yarns and oilseeds, and the advent of cheap synthetic fibers caused a decreased/eliminated hemp production. Hemp has been banned in most of the world for more than seven decades; it missed out on the Green Revolution and the adoption of new technologies and varieties, creating a knowledge gap. After the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill in the USA, hemp became legal and the land grand universities launched research programs. The ability to utilize the entire plant for multiple purposes creates opportunity for the market to value hemp products. Hemp production technology varies depending on the type of hemp cultivated (grain, fiber, or cannabinoids), soil characteristics, and environmental factors. Hemp has the potential to be a very sustainable and ecologically benign crop. Hemp roots have a significant potential for absorbing and storing heavy metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, and other harmful substances. In addition, hemp has been proven to be an excellent carbon trap and biofuel crop. Hemp has the ability to successfully suppress weeds, and it is generally regarded a pesticide-free crop. The purpose of this paper is to examine historic and recent industrial hemp (grain and fiber) literature, with a focus on hemp agronomy and utilization.

Experts Reflect on What New Law Might Mean for Cannabis Research

Experts Reflect on What New Law Might Mean for Cannabis Research

Cannabis Regulation Through the “Without Right” Clause in Article 2(1) of EU Framework Decision 2004/757/jha on Illicit Drug Trafficking

Abstract Several EU states have shown initiatives towards a more lenient approach to the regulation of cannabis cultivation and trade for recreational use. One possibility that is being investigated is whether a national regulatory system for controlled trade of recreational cannabis can be developed in accordance of the EU Framework Decision 2004/757/jha. The ‘without right’ -clause in Article 2(1) of this decision, from a linguistic point of view, does seem to allow the introduction of such a licensing system. In fact, such a system would not cross the system or the purpose of the Framework Decision, if such licensing system does not result in cross-border effects or the hindering of transnational cooperation in combatting cross-border drug trafficking. However, this possibility is only of theoretical nature considering the clear and strict obligations ensuing from the UN narcotic drugs conventions. In order to regulate recreational cannabis within the boundaries of public international law, states can: (1) denounce the UN narcotic drugs conventions; (2) deviate from the obligations of the UN conventions on the basis of positive human rights obligations; (3) create an inter se agreement between like-minded states that deviates from the UN conventions; and (4) denounce the UN drugs conventions and re-access subsequently with a reservation allowing for regulation of recreational cannabis. We argue that these options can have a combined strengthening effect and indeed present a legally sound and politically viable opportunity to regulate recreational cannabis without denouncing the whole UN drug control system.

Impact of Cannabis Seed Incorporation in Layer Diet on Productive Performance and Egg Quality Traits.

The production of nonindustrial cannabis is highly developed in the Moroccan Rif region; however, local farmers consider hemp seeds which are rich in omega 3 and tocopherols, only as by-products of cannabis cultivation with low market value. The local ecotype is considered to be a plant with a cannabinoid content of more than 0.4%. So, the objective of this research is to investigate how the incorporation of this local hemp seed affects productive performance and egg quality traits. The experiment is conducted to evaluate the effects of hemp seed (HS) incorporation on hen laying performance and physical egg quality at three levels: 10% (HS-10% group), 20% (HS-20% group), and 30% (HS-30% group). Ninety-six Lohmann Brown classic laying hens were randomly assigned to a control group and three feed treatments. The sampling was taken after the 28-week rearing period (peak egg laying). Throughout the experiment, low-rate HS inclusion (HS-10%) showed no significant differences in egg-laying performance (p > 0.05). However, the high incorporation rates of HS (20% and 30%) negatively affected the egg-laying performance (84-94% and 80-86%, respectively). The albumen quality was also improved by the HS inclusion, where the highest values of the Haugh unit were recorded, ranging between 68.69 and 73.91 for the HS-30% groups. The results also show that HS inclusion and duration influence significantly the yolk color (p < 0.001). The yellow intensity decreases with HS incorporation and aging, from a dark yellow (b ∗ = 38.63 for the control group) to a very pale yellow (b ∗ = 26.29 for HS 30% group). Based on these findings, we can conclude that the incorporation of nonindustrial Moroccan cannabis seeds (ecotype Beldiya) at low rate in the diet of laying hens does not alter the laying performance or the quality of the egg; therefore, they could be used in poultry feeding as an alternative constituent to partially replace high-cost imported ingredients, such as corn and soybeans.

Hybrid Genome Assembly of Berkeleyomyces rouxiae, an Emerging Cannabis Fungal Pathogen Causing Black Root Rot in an Aeroponic Facility.

The resurged interest in cultivation of Cannabis sativa has presented an array of new challenges. Among them are the difficult-to-control pests and pathogens that infect cannabis plants. The limited methods for disease control available to cannabis growers necessitates early detection of plant pathogens, something that molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing has greatly improved. This study reports for the first time the fungal plant pathogen Berkeleyomyces rouxiae causing black root rot in high THC-containing cannabis. Aeroponically grown cannabis plants at a licenced production facility in Cranbrook BC, Canada, rapidly displayed root discoloration and rot symptoms despite testing negative for all commercially available pathogen tests. Developing sequencing-based disease diagnostics requires genomic information, so this study presents the first whole genome sequence of the multihost, widespread black root rot pathogen B. rouxiae. Hybrid genome assembly using Oxford Nanopore long-reads and Illumina short-reads yielded a genome size of 28.2 Mb represented over 404 contigs with an N50 of 267 kb. Genome annotation predicted 6,960 protein-coding genes with 59,477 functional annotations. The availability of this genome will assist in sequence-based diagnostic development, comparative genomics, and taxonomic resolution of this globally important plant pathogen.