Septoria of cannabis or why the leaves turn yellow

Hemp is a plant that has many uses. Over the past decade, in many countries, there has been a tendency to change and positively review established views on hemp. This became possible thanks to systematic scientific research in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Today, hemp is used to produce textiles, cosmetics, medicines, health supplements and more. The plant is also a source of cannabinoids, which have various pharmacological properties and may be useful in the treatment of a number of serious diseases.

However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various factors that can negatively affect growth and development. One of these problems is septoria leaf blight, a dangerous fungal disease that can greatly harm bushes and significantly reduce yield.

What dangers may arise for hemp plants

Septoria leaf blight is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Septoria, which parasitize the leaves and stems of plants. Septoria of marijuana can impact both industrial varieties and varieties that are used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Initial symptoms of the disease appear as small brown or gray spots, and the tips of marijuana leaves also dry out. Over time, these spots increase in size and are surrounded by a yellow ring. If no measures are taken at the initial stages of the disease, the spots merge, then the cannabis leaves gradually turn yellow, dry out and fall off. This leads to a decrease in the photosynthetic activity of plants, a decrease in their immunity and a deterioration in product quality.

What causes the development of septoria

Septoria fungi are spread by spores that are carried by wind, rain, watering, or direct contact of healthy bushes with infected ones. The main factors that contribute to the development of septoria are:

• increased air and soil humidity, which are observed for a long time;
• insufficient ventilation and lighting;
• planting density is higher than normal;
• There is a deficiency of sulfur and nitrogen in the soil.

Septoria is a chronic disease that can last throughout the growing season. It can lead to significant crop losses - up to 50% or more. In addition, yellow cannabis leaves worsen the appearance of the plants, reduce the content of cannabinoids and terpenes, and increase the risk of infection with other dangerous diseases, such as gray mold or late blight.

How can you prevent the development of the disease

To prevent septoria, you need to do the following:

1. Choose disease-resistant hemp varieties or use seeds with high genetic purity.

2. Provide optimal conditions for the growth and development of plants, including adequate lighting, temperature, humidity, ventilation, watering and fertilizing.

3. Observe agrotechnical rules for planting, care, and harvesting.

4. Avoid overcrowding, damage and contamination of plants.

5. Regularly inspect the bushes for signs of septoria. If marijuana leaves droop and turn yellow, remove them immediately.

6. Use biological or chemical plant protection products against fungal infections.

What actions to take to cure plants

If septoria has already developed, the following actions must be taken:

• isolate infected plants from healthy ones to prevent further spread of infection;
• cut and destroy all affected parts of plants, especially leaves and stems;
• treat plants with biological or chemical means of protection against fungi, such as the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, preparations based on copper or sulfur, fungicides;
• If necessary, repeat treatment of plants after 7–10 days.

Final conclusions

Cannabis septoria is a dangerous fungal disease that can significantly reduce the quality of products and cause great harm to the crop. To prevent and treat this disease, it is necessary to follow the rules of agricultural technology, provide optimal conditions for the growth and development of plants, carry out timely diagnosis and treatment of plants with biological or chemical means of protection.

In conclusion, we remind you: in Ukraine, growing hemp is prohibited by law. This material is provided for informational purposes only.