Pest and Disease Control

How do you identify pests on plants?

• Aphids- gray, black, or green bugs that harm your plants by sucking the juices from leaves, turning them yellow. They can easily be seen on the plant, commonly along the stems.
• Spider Mites- These tiny arachnids have oval bodies, and harm plants by piercing and sucking on plants, causing visible punctures. This results in fluid loss and can eventually cause death of plants if left uncorrected. They are often found underneath leaves, and these pests spread incredibly fast, so early detection is key.
• Fungus Gnats- These small, black insects have lanky legs and clear wings. Their larvae consume your plants roots, slowing or halting growth altogether.
• Whiteflies- These resemble tiny, white moths and cause effects very similar to spider mites, sucking juices from the leaves, leaving white spots and yellowing. These pests also contribute to mold development.

Eradicating pests from the grow room

How can I protect my plants from insects naturally?

What are common diseases of plants?

• Powdery mildew- Caused by a fungus, this will cause leaves to turn a pale-yellow and may appear as a fuzzy, white abrasion mainly on the underside of leaves. It can also appear as a white powdery substance, causing stunted growth.
• Mold- Typically starting out as spots on the leaves of a plant, it turns into fuzzy, gray abrasions and eventually, brown and mushy. Mold can also look as if someone put wet baking soda on the plant. Leaves will wilt and appear tattered and bleached.
• Root Rot- This disease is caused by excess water and soil-borne pathogens. This causes a stunt in plant growth, a wilting in leaves, and mushy roots.
• Bud Rot-Similar to root rot, bud rot is a molding of your buds. Bud rot is an especially frustrating disease, since it occurs at the end of the plant life cycle right before harvest, resulting in a waste of the last few months time and resources.

How can plant diseases be prevented?

Using fungicides to eradicate illnesses