Fusarium Wilt in Cannabis
Fusarium wilt in cannabis is a new blight in the booming legal cannabis industry. Fusarium Oxysporum (F. Oxysporum) has caused more experienced, educated growers to FAIL compliance testing for molds and fungus in their crops than any other pathogen in recent history.
Fusarium Wilt in Cannabis: Origins in the War On Drugs
Fusarium Oxysporum is a fungus so dangerous to plants that it was proposed by the Columbian government to use as a biological weapon to forcibly eradicate illegal coca and marijuana crops. The weaponized strains, dubbed “Agent Green,” were developed by the US government as part of the “War on Drugs.” However the plan was canceled by then-President Clinton who was concerned about the perception of the use of biological warfare.1
Fusarium Wilt in Cannabis: Rotting American Soil
The truly frightening thing about this fungus is that it has taken hold on American soil and is now contaminating other major cash crops besides marijuana, like “hot house” tomatoes, vegetables, fruit tree orchards and vineyards.
Its close relative, Pythium is just as dangerous. The danger lies in the spores of these two fungus strains. Fungus spores travel on the wind, animals, insects, in our water systems and through the soil destroying valuable crops by infesting the roots.
Symptoms of Fusarium Wilt
The symptoms of Fusarium wilt include yellowing and browning of leaves. If you suspect Fusarium in your crop, is important to act quickly as the infection can spread through the plants and entire crop.
This is article 1 in our 4-part series on Fusarium and How to Treat It. If Fusarium is affecting your cannabis crops, or other crops, we may be able to help.
1. Wikipedia “Coca Eradication” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_eradication) and “Fusarium oxysporum” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusarium_oxysporum).
