Sustaining a Healthy Grow
Author: Melissa May, Director of Assay Research & Manufacturing, Sr. Scientist at PathogenDx
As a follow-up to our previous post, we wanted to expand on the importance of Preventative Environmental Monitoring (PEM) and how we can apply that to refining the cannabis cultivation industry to produce a sustainable product. In our last post, we wrote about monitoring the product from cradle to grave by performing simple swab tests to identify potential pathogens. By employing a robust Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACPP) plan that incorporates PEM’s you can identify contamination sources before final production giving the operator the ability to remediate and strengthen future production processes.
The question becomes, how do I make the PEM program work for me? The goal is to target areas most likely to have the greatest consequences if a plant or human pathogen was to be introduced. Once those areas are identified, a routine should be established to sample those areas and monitor for any changes. The article “Pathogens and Molds Affecting Production and Quality of Cannabis sativa L.” demonstrate the breadth of pathogen sources in different facilities’ environments. They characterize the species identified in different sectors of facilities and how those can affect plant health and ultimately yield. We can take the information found in cannabis plant pathogen research to refine environmental monitoring systems tailored to the product. This article also highlights the need for additional research into disease management and emphasizes the need to screen areas to monitor where and identify what contamination is present.
Developing a robust HACCP operation starts by creating a map of your facility. Identify all surfaces that come into contact with the crop and final product. Look at the tools being used, the workspace, water sources, and air flow. Think about how the facility workflow plays out in any given day. Where do people move to and from? What kind of decontamination protocols are in place? Are tools like clippers being adequately sterilized between uses? Target your biggest risks and work your way down. For your first pass swab anything and everything. This is a great way to get information about your operation and develop a better understanding of your high risk areas. If you see positive results don’t panic. This is where you use the information to strengthen your operation and begin implementing a smaller scale routine PEM program. For example, let’s say you see Botytris cinerea positive results on workspace and tools. Botrytis bud rot is a serious concern for crop yield, so you start with remediation. Look at the sterilization being done in this area and implement a routine swab test to monitor those surfaces. Prevention is your ally. Knowing the effectiveness of the decontamination protocols and adapting as the facility grows is key to high yield crops.
As we look to the future and reduce waste by incorporating sustainable choices like using reusable grow medium and recycled water, PEM can be adapted to ensure those evolutions to a grow are a benefit and not a potential risk. Remember, every operation is unique and advance planning, knowing where in your operation pathogen contamination is likely to occur helps you establish good practices and a reliable routine. As our community evolves and we attain the knowledge that helps us move towards a sustainable future we can make informed decisions that keeps us safe and sustainable.
