ABSTRACT
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L. (Rosales: Cannabaceae)) is a newly legalized crop and requires deeper insights on its pest communities. Here we identified the thrips species affecting indoor grown cannabis in Canada and tested its impact on plant yield. We used three levels of initial infestation (0, 1, and 5 thrips) on individual plants grown in two mediums: normal substrate or substrate containing the biostimulant Bacillus pumilus, Meyer and Gottheil (Bacillales: Bacillaceae). We found that the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci (Lindeman) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is proliferating in indoor grown cannabis. Furthermore, our results showed fresh yields were higher for the plants that initially received zero thrips compared to those who initially received five thrips. Moreover, the biostimulant had only a marginal effect on the reduction of the thrips’ impacts. We highlight the importance for growers to carefully monitor thrips infestations in indoor grown cannabis. Finally, we emphasize the need for more research regarding the impact of pests on cannabis yields and safe means of pest control for this strictly regulated crop.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
